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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and security topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.