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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Common Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

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

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay 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 changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.