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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

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

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.