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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is likely to center on economic and security topics, signaling a key juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

A Significant Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, but each countries have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

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

But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Few anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a close bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very location where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.