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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is likely to center on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

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

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

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

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.