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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.