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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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