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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.