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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to focus on trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable political situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.