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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.