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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.