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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.