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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and defense issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.