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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy test as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is expected to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

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

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, but each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

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

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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