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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

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