Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.
Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.
Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.
Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.
She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.
Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.
Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.
This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.
Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.
However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.
Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.
The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.
Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.
Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.
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