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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

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

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.