Such was the diplomatic feint that this week saw a beleaguered Taro Aso steal the prize in the scramble to be first across the threshold of Barack Obama's White House. Britain's Gordon Brown, another weakened leader every bit as eager to cuddle up close to the US president, must wait until next week.

On the face of it, the trip could scarcely have been a more welcome respite for Mr Aso. His standing in the opinion polls mirrors the dire condition of Japan's economy. Last week came news that the economy had shrunk by more than 3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2008. Then a couple of days ago followed confirmation of a collapse in the country's exports. The carnage on the Tokyo stock exchange has forced the government to consider buying shares to prop up the market.

Mr Aso's premiership is on life support. Chosen only a few months ago to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic party into the election due by this autumn, his ratings have hit single figures. Paralysis is almost too upbeat a description of the country's political condition.