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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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