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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.