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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on trade and defense issues, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

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

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.