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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on trade and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

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