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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.