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The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.