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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

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

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

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

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.