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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her initial significant diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense topics, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

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

Navigating Domestic and Global Challenges

The prime minister deals with a potentially unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first stage of his Asia tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move matches a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral defense agreement remains a source of strain, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional relief by promising increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

He was the first international leader to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will start with a audience with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.