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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and security topics, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.