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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is likely to focus on trade and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.