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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

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

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.