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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

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

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

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

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

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.