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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

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

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

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered some relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

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