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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is set to face her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who just became Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the true test that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Handling Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of China's military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's defense expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent duty changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his preferred international figures.

He was the initial international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

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

It will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.