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Japan's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is expected to focus on trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

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

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi.