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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and security matters, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.