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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to center on economic and security topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

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

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

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

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks 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 Jinping.