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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense matters, marking a critical moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Debut

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

This means, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest defense expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect major concessions on economic issues this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by promising greater purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi.