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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.