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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and security matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.