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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and defense issues, marking a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, 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 establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty 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.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.