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The nation's freshly appointed prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is expected to focus on economic and security matters, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

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

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

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