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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and security issues, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.