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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to focus on economic and security matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.