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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

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