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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on economic and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.