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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security topics, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over mutual 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 the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.