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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

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

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

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