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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.