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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and security issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

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