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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.