Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.
The focus of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.
Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.
The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.
This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.
Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.
Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.
However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.
Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided some ease to Japan's export sector.
The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.
The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.
Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.
The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.
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