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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

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

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.