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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.