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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is expected to focus on trade and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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

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