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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to focus on economic and defense issues, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Premiership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest Asean meeting.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes offered a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to greater purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he met with the former leader in 2019.

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