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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

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

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.