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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.