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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her first major diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to center on economic and defense matters, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Debut

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 summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

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

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.