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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.