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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, 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.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.