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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

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

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

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