Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrapped up her first summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo on Tuesday, with the new Japanese leader pledging to realize ¡°a new golden age¡± for their countries¡¯ alliance.
Security was tight in the capital, with some 18,000 police officers mobilized for the meeting, a crucial test of Takaichi¡¯s diplomatic chops as she seeks to elevate the Japan-U.S. alliance to new heights while staving off increasing pressure from the U.S. on defense spending.
Takaichi, a protege of slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was close to Trump, was taking a page from her mentor¡¯s approach to Trump by feting him with an audience with the emperor and a state visit full of pomp. She also presented him with : a putter used by Abe and a golf bag signed by Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama.
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