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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate 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 signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.