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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to center on economic and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

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

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.