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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to center on trade and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.