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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

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

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.