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Japan’s new leader faces an early test: Winning over Trump

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Japans new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seen by some officials as Japans best shot at building bonds with Mr Trump.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Javier C. Hernandez

TOKYO – Ms Sanae Takaichi, who last week became the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, has never met US President Donald Trump. She does not play golf, Mr Trump’s favoured sport, nor is she known to share his love of hamburgers.

But when Mr Trump arrives in Tokyo on Oct 27 for a state visit, Ms Takaichi will have another card to play as she tries to win reassurance from Mr Trump on trade and security.