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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

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