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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in previous years.

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