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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and security topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

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

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.