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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way security treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.