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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is likely to center on trade and defense issues, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

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

Managing Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

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

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi.