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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense matters, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

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

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual 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 Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi.