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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is expected to focus on economic and security topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

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

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.