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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security topics, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

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 the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.