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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security topics, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.