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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense issues, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.