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

The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.