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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense issues, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

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

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

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

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

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.