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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

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

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.