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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.