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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

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