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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security matters, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

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

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.