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Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.