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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is likely to center on economic and defense topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

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