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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

A Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.