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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

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

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

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

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.