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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

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