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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and security matters, representing a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.