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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

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

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.