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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to focus on trade and defense issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.