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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security matters, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

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

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.