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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense issues, representing a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

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

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

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.