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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

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

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.