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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

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

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.