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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

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

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.