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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.

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