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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on economic and security issues, marking a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true test that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi faces a potentially unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the region, yet both countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

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

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to Japan will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

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

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.