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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to center on trade and security topics, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

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

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi.