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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.