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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on economic and defense matters, representing a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

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

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise military expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president'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 Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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