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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.