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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.