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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic test as she meets former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to focus on trade and defense matters, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Notable Premiership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of China's defense activities in the region, yet both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Few anticipate major agreements on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty adjustments provided some ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

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

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.