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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.