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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.