President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his wife, Kishida Yuko, to the White House for an official state visit emphasizing the strong alliance between the United States and Japan. The visit showcased a blend of American and Japanese cultures through meticulously planned events and details.
The visit began with a casual dinner at a local seafood restaurant on Tuesday evening, followed by an official arrival ceremony on the South Lawn on Wednesday morning. The day included bilateral meetings and a joint news conference between the leaders.
The evening featured a glitzy, black-tie dinner attended by 230 guests. The menu, carefully curated by the first lady and White House chefs, combined American and Japanese flavors. Guests enjoyed dishes such as house-cured salmon, dry-aged ribeye steak, and a salted caramel pistachio cake.
The décor for the evening celebrated spring and the US-Japan relationship, with cherry blossoms as a key symbol. The East Room was transformed into a floral-forward 'garden' with cherry blossom branches, sweet peas, and roses. The fine attention to detail extended to the table settings, featuring pink glassware, custom place cards, and menus designed by White House calligraphers.
Guests were treated to a post-dinner performance by musician Paul Simon, who played a selection of his iconic songs. The evening concluded with a gift exchange, where the Bidens presented the prime minister and his wife with thoughtful gifts, including a handmade black walnut table and a painting of a cherry tree.
This state visit marked the fifth time the Biden administration has hosted a state dinner, continuing the tradition of honoring international relationships through diplomacy and cultural exchange.
