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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and security topics, marking a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.