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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security issues, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

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

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

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

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.