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The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is likely to focus on economic and security issues, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman leader after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on other MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the region, yet each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodian forces on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Military Build-up and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" abilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by committing to increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

Trump's trip to the country will begin with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in Tokyo.

This will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.