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

The focus of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

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

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

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

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

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan 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 official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.