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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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 talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.