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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to focus on economic and security issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

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

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.