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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent 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 largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

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

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.