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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

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

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.