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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and security matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.