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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and defense issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her global introduction at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral cooperation.

Managing Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi deals with a potentially shaky government landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her government will depend on other MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Differing Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of China's defense presence in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

The leader has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement remains a source of tension, with the former president earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on trade issues this week, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional relief by committing to greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

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

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese leader Xi.