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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key moment for Japan's ties with its powerful ally.

The Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

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

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate significant agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased purchases of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a strong bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.