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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.