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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.