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

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.