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The nation's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but each countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the first foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.