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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.