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Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their encounter is likely to center on economic and security matters, signaling a critical juncture for Japan's ties with its influential ally.

A Notable Leadership and International Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the latest Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and International Pressures

Takaichi deals with a possibly unstable government landscape, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve legislation, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian forces during the initial leg of his Asian visit.

Military Build-up and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

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

However, the two-way security treaty remains a source of tension, with Trump previously stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to the country's economy.

Takaichi is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of American goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The value the former president places on individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

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