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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy test as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to focus on economic and security topics, marking a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

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

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.