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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is likely to center on economic and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.