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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Handling Internal and International Pressures

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

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.