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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

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

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

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

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

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.