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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and security issues, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.