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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.