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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and defense issues, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.