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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and security issues, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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