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There were a couple of references locally — with scant positive or negative commentary — to the fact that Trudeau took 36 hours off in the middle of his visit to celebrate his wedding anniversary at a hot springs.

The only time anyone gushed about Trudeau or Gregoire-Trudeau was when a few gobsmacked Canadians crossed their path at the end of their stop at a blissfully tranquil Shinto shrine in the heart of Tokyo.

Former number one Stephen Harper awkwardly kept to himself at gatherings like the G7, such was his dread of the backslapping and forced bonhomie that usually reigns. A photographer with long experience at such summits said the new prime minister brought another dimension. Preternaturally relaxed and jocular, he seemed to put everyone around the table in a better mood.

Unlike his predecessor, Trudeau revels in small talk. Even Germany’s formidable chancellor, Angela Merkel, seemed to enjoy his breezy banter.

There were a few jokes about Trudeau’s youth. However, as Trudeau himself told his colleagues, the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, is three years younger.

Seeing Justin Trudeau for the first time after having travelled on a couple of trips in Canada and overseas with his father, Pierre, the contrasts are remarkable. From his first days as prime minister, the older Trudeau, like Harper, had a broad and deep understanding of many issues, and a keen appreciation of his own intellect.

It is hardly an original thought, but Trudeau the Younger does not have and may never have the same command of the subject matter as his father had. While a lot friendlier than Pierre, Justin’s inability or unwillingness to veer even slightly off script to demonstrate that he understands the context surrounding what he is talking about can become exasperating.