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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and defense topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.