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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.