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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense topics, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, 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 engage with China's president Xi Jinping.