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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan 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 is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's economy.

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

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

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