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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant foreign policy examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political situation, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.