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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

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

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Lately, Trump oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

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