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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.