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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense topics, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.