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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on economic and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.