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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to center on economic and security issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to 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 international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.