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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.