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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

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