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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.