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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and defense topics, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.