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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with 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.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, 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 meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.