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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

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

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.