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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

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

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

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

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.