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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to center on trade and defense matters, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.