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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.