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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around trade and defense issues, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk 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 previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

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

Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.