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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

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

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