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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and defense issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

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

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