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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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