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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.