After furiously attacking some of America's closest allies before the G20, the world saw a more jovial side of Donald Trump in Osaka as he lavished praise liberally and joked about fake news and election meddling with Vladimir Putin.
As if fundamental differences between the world's top powers over trade, foreign policy and the environment were not enough, Trump raised fears of an explosive summit by taking aim at all and sundry ahead of the trip.
But it was all smiles, jokes, praise and positive body language in person in Osaka as world leaders heeded Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's call for "beautiful harmony" -- a reference to Japan's new era name.
As leaders gathered for a group photo, Trump chatted warmly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, patting him gently on the back as they parted ways.
The long-awaited head-to-head between the pair, the first since a controversial meeting in Helsinki in July, raised eyebrows as Trump made gags about the sensitive topic of alleged Russian interference in US elections.
Asked by a journalist whether he would warn Putin about influencing the presidential vote next year, he smiled and wagged his finger playfully at the Kremlin strongman, saying: "Don't meddle in the election, president, don't meddle."
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