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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and security topics, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in 2019.

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