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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on trade and security matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.