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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and defense topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the Asia-Pacific, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

This step matches a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use locally made extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant agreements on trade issues during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.