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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

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

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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