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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security matters, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.