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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

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