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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.