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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.