Japan's new premier Sanae Takaichi lavished US leader Donald Trump with praise and vows of a "golden age" of ties on his visit to Tokyo Tuesday, before inking a deal with Washington aimed at securing critical minerals.

Takaichi -- Japan's first woman prime minister -- pulled out all the stops for Trump in her opening test on the international stage, and even announced she would nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize, the White House said.

In return, Trump, who was meeting conservative Takaichi for the first time on an Asia tour that aims for a deal with China, said Washington was an ally of the "strongest level".

"It's a great honour to be with you, especially so early in what will be, I think, one of the greatest prime ministers," Trump told Takaichi at the Akasaka Palace state guest hou

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