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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Historic Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect major concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.