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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to face her first major diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on economic and security matters, signaling a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.

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

Handling Internal and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

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

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty adjustments offered a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek further relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.