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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense issues, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual rapport 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.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.