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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

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

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.