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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to center on economic and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

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