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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and defense issues, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

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

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.