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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security matters, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

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

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.