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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary diplomatic challenge as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to revolve around trade and security issues, representing a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international debut at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

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

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in the PM's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.