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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

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