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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.