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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

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

Abe was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.