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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security topics, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.