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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

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

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed 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 Chinese leader Xi.