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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to center on economic and defense issues, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.