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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.