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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around trade and security matters, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both countries have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

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

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.