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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security matters, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

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

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

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

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.