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The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is set to confront her primary diplomatic challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Leadership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling LDP, had her international introduction at the latest ASEAN meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly shaky political situation, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's wariness of China's military presence in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from Trump's "US-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Tensions

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

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual chemistry could benefit Takaichi's advantage, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

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

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

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

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

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese leader Xi.