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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to center on trade and defense matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.