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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly unstable government landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.