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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

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

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

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