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The nation's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and security issues, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

A Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her global debut at the latest Asean summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a potentially shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass laws, adding a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by promising greater acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his preferred world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

It will be followed by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.