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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

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