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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

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

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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