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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major diplomatic examination as she meets former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a critical juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral security treaty is still a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.