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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to center on economic and security issues, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.