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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and security issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.