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Japan's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her initial significant foreign policy challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and defense issues, signaling a key moment for Tokyo's relationship with its influential partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Challenges

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her governance.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces during the first leg of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

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

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing American troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some relief to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek further relief by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could benefit the PM's advantage, given her strong relationship with the late ex-leader Abe, who was among Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit Trump after his election, and the pair built a strong relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in Tokyo.

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

Afterward, Trump will travel to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.