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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

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

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

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