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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and security issues, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.