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At their first lunch Tuesday, President Trump and new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi served American rice and beef—an unusual choice in Japan, where rice is a cultural staple and a current political flash point amid shortages and soaring prices. Analysts said the menu was a goodwill signal and a nod to July’s U.S.-Japan deal to boost American rice imports by 75 percent; the U.S. ambassador said it showed the partnership had "deeply permeated all fields." Some online commenters lamented the swap. The meal also featured eggplant from Takaichi’s Nara, and a retailer said the switch is a culinary nonissue.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.