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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

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

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.