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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.