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Japan's newly elected leader, Takaichi, is ready to face her initial significant foreign policy examination as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and defense matters, marking a critical juncture for Tokyo's ties with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with Trump is regarded as the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.

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

Shared Views and Differing Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" trade policies.

Lately, Trump facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

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

This move matches a longstanding request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security treaty is still a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after recent duty changes provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be followed by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the same location where he held talks 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 engage with Chinese leader Xi.