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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on trade and defense matters, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but each nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

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

Abe was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.