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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.