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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

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

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.