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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.