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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the initial international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.