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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.