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

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.