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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.