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The nation's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

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