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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her first major diplomatic examination as she meets ex-President Donald Trump for important discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on economic and security topics, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Significant Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Differing Interests

She shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase military expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to the country will start with a audience 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 held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.