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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country 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 official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.