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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense issues, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.