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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy test as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and security matters, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

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

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.