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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to focus on trade and defense matters, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

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

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.