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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

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