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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

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

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.