Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is heading to the White House this week, hoping to leave with assurance that President Donald Trump has her back on trade and international security. The country’s first female prime minister has already proven her Trump-whisperer credentials during the president’s visit to the islands last year,

This marked her first official visit to the US as Japan's leader, amid heightened global tensions, particularly the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Soon after her visit, a rumor circulated online claiming that the United States and Japan announced a $40 billion nuclear power project.

As Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares for her first White House visit, President Donald Trump calls for Japan and other allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan’s super-popular prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, will visit the White House on Thursday, as President Donald Trump looks to allies for military help against Iran.

By Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, March 19 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to "step up" as he pressed allies for more support over the war with Iran and rising oil prices,