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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense topics, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.