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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 discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense topics, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.