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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

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

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared 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.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.