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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

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

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.