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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.