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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Historic Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, but each countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided some relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

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