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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is expected to focus on economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

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

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.