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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

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