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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.