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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

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

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.