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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

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

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

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

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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