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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

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

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.