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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.