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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.