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Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her international debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is considered the real test that will set the tone for future two-way cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky government landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a controlling number in the influential lower house of parliament.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, adding a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each nations have faced issues from his "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way defense treaty is still a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade issues this week, particularly after recent duty adjustments provided some ease to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further benefits by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two developed a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi.