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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.