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Japan's recently chosen prime minister, Takaichi, is set to face her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is likely to focus on economic and defense matters, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense agreement remains a point of tension, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, especially after latest duty changes offered a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.