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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.