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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.