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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and security topics, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.