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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security issues, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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 Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

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