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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and defense topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.