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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes provided some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.