Japan’s chief heads to D.C. bearing items of peace for a president at struggle

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s first official go to to Washington this week was speculated to be a triumphant celebration of the friendship, with a present of 250 Japanese cherry bushes to mark America’s huge birthday. As an alternative, she might be greeted by a wartime president who’s on the lookout for a special form of present from her nation: navy help within the Center East.