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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

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

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural 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 former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.