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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

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

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.