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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security topics, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, 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.