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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just 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.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.