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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is likely to focus on trade and security issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.