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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and defense issues, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.