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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

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

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty changes provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.