US president Donald Trump heaped praise on Japan's first female leader Sanae Takaichi and said the Asian nation will become a U.S. “ally at the strongest level” as he signed deals on rare earths and trade.

The handbag Ms Takaichi often carries is made by Hamano Inc, a 145-year-old Japanese leather goods maker. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

PM Modi, Japan's Sanae Takaichi discuss economic security, talent mobility and strong ties. He said:

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to bolster defence cooperation and maintain Indo-Pacific peace. Addressing US troops at Yokosuka Naval Base, Takaichi vowed to reinforce Japan’s defence posture amid rising regional tensions and China’s assertiveness

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made headlines after gifting Donald Trump a rare collection that included Shinzo Abe’s famous golf putter and “Japan Is Back” caps during their Tokyo meeting. The historic exchange highlighted growing diplomatic warmth and mutual respect between the two nations.

The new Japanese Prime Minister has endeared herself to Trump through flattery, gifts, and channeling one of her predecessors.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who died in 2022, is said to have played a "key role" at Tuesday's summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump,