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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and defense issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.