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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the two-way security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

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