WASHINGTON (AP) — A grand White House state dinner is set to take place on Wednesday to honor the strong relationship between the United States and Japan. Over 200 guests are expected to attend this prestigious event, which is a symbol of U.S. diplomacy and is reserved for America's closest allies.
President Joe Biden has chosen to celebrate Japan as a key ally in his Indo-Pacific policy. The dinner will be in honor of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, who are on an official visit to the United States this week. The first lady, Jill Biden, highlighted the flourishing relationship between the U.S. and Japan during a media preview of the dinner, revealing details about the menu, decor, and entertainment.
The evening will feature a first course of house-cured salmon, followed by an entree of dry-aged rib eye steak with pepper butter, fava beans, mushrooms, and onions. For dessert, guests will enjoy salted caramel pistachio cake with a matcha ganache and cherry ice cream.
The tables at the dinner will be adorned with a mix of flowers, including roses, peonies, and imported cherry blossoms. The decor will include a blend of round and rectangular tables in shades of pink, with floral centerpieces reaching up to 6 feet tall. Glass and silk butterflies will add a whimsical touch to the ambiance, and the State Floor will be transformed to evoke the feeling of walking atop a koi pond.
Following dinner, guests will be treated to a performance by the legendary musician Paul Simon, who is a favorite of the first lady. Simon, known for his iconic songs and six-decade-long career, was chosen as a special tribute to Prime Minister Kishida, who is also an admirer of his work. The evening's entertainment will also include performances by “The President's Own” Marine Band Chamber Orchestra, the Army Rolling Strings, and the Air Force Strings.
State dinners like this are a rare and prestigious occasion, reserved for honoring America's closest allies and celebrating the strong bonds between nations. The event serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, as well as a showcase of diplomacy and cultural exchange at the highest level.
