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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.