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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.