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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security matters, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with the former president is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

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

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asia tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign leader to meet the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.