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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.