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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

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