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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.