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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security issues, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

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

Abe was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.