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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.