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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.