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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security topics, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump 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 Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi.