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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to focus on trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

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

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.