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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and security issues, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president'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 Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.