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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to center on economic and security matters, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.