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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.