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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly unstable political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

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

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

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

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a source of strain, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over shared interests 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 royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.