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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.