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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

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

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.