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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

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