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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their summit is likely to focus on trade and defense issues, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

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

Handling Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She holds the former president's wariness of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for the nation since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

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

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will proceed to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.