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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and security topics, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

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

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president'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 state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.