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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is expected to revolve around trade and security topics, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense presence in the region, but both nations have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, especially after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese leader Xi.