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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and defense matters, marking a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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