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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around economic and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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