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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.