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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

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

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