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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.