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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is likely to center on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

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

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.