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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

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

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.