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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to focus on trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

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

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.