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The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to center on economic and security topics, representing a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.