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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and security topics, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

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

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

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

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.