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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

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

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.