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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on economic and security topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have experienced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few expect major agreements on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his preferred world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.