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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security topics, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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