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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue 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 engage with China's leader Xi.