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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary foreign policy test as she engages with former US President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and defense topics, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi.