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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense issues, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.