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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

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

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.