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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

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

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.