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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

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