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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

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

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

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

Upcoming 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.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.