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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.