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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security matters, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

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

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.