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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.