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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and security matters, marking a critical moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.