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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

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

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.