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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

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

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.

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

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.