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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is expected to center on trade and security matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but each countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

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

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

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.