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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.