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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

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

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.