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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and security issues, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand 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 acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.