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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.