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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on trade and security issues, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

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

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.