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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with 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

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

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.