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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.