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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and defense issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

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

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, 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 leader Xi Jinping.