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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.