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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

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

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.