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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

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

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.