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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

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