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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

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

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.