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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

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

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.