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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on economic and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.