Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she prepares to host U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo next week. Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister after being sworn in on Tuesday, takes office amid a fragile political landscape and rising regional tensions.

Her coalition government currently falls two votes short of a parliamentary majority, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding her rapid political ascent. A staunch conservative and vocal advocate of stronger national defense, Takaichi has long supported greater military autonomy and a more assertive security policy — positions that mark a clear departure from Japan’s traditionally cautious postwar stance.

Often described as an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi has vowed to strengthen Japan’s self defense capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign security guarantees. Her leadership also represents a decisive break in Japan’s political status quo: she ended a 26-year coalition between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the pacifist Komeito party, opting instead to align with the right leaning Japan Innovation Party (Ishin).

This realignment grants Takaichi more freedom to pursue her defense agenda, but it also exposes her to potential political instability at home and heightened scrutiny abroad. The upcoming meeting with President Trump is expected to focus on regional security cooperation, defense spending, and economic ties issues that will test Takaichi’s diplomatic skills early in her tenure.