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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense topics, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

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

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.