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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

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