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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

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

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.