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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on trade and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

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

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

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

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.