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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense issues, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

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

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to Japan 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 Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.