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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to the country 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 same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

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