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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and defense topics, representing a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.