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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to center on trade and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan 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 official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.