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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is likely to revolve around trade and security topics, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Navigating Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities on the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Defense Build-up and Spending Commitments

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

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Implications

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

It will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi.