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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to center on trade and defense matters, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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