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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

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

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.