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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

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

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

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

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

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