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Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to revolve around economic and security matters, representing a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for future two-way cooperation.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

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

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, but both countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the largest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy domestically developed longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security agreement is still a source of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to greater purchases of US goods, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair built a close relationship over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

The former president's trip to the country will begin with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same venue where he held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.