A lavish state dinner honoring Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was attended by top figures from business, sports and politics, including the former president.
WASHINGTON — Top figures from business, sports and politics, including former presidents, gathered for a state dinner honoring Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday, with the White House displaying maximum pomp in honor of America's close ally.
Bill and Hillary Clinton took up their positions on familiar grounds for the event, and the former president was able to return before gazing appreciatively at a portrait of his wife as first lady on display nearby. “I'm very happy,'' he declared.
Dressed in bright spring colors and lots of sparkly gowns, guests talked politics and the store as they strolled. That meant eclipse chatter from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson (“amazing” views in Ohio!) and an assessment of President Joe Biden's election prospects in Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers (looking good!).
But on a day when the inflation news coming out of Washington wasn't very encouraging, Fed Chairman Jay Powell didn't stop to chat as he walked by. Kristi Yamaguchi, an Olympic figure skater wearing a purple gown, said she didn't expect to campaign for Biden, but she still seems bullish on Biden's re-election. Actor Robert De Niro provided the night's Hollywood quotient.
On a warm spring evening, the Bidens stepped outside the north portico to greet Kishida and his wife Yuko, who wore flowing royal blue dresses, on the red carpet.
Inside, Jill Biden, wearing a beaded sapphire gown, had transformed the White House chambers into what she called a “vibrant spring garden” for the night. The floor of the famous Cross Hall is decorated with paintings that give the approximately 230 guests the feeling of walking across a koi pond, paying homage to the fish, which symbolizes “friendship, peace, good fortune and patience.” the first lady said during a media briefing on Tuesday. .
The state dinner is a tool of American diplomacy, an honor reserved for America's closest allies. In Japan's case, it will be the fifth time the president has bestowed the honor on an ally he views as the cornerstone of his policy toward the Indo-Pacific region.
Kishida is on an official visit to the United States this week. The state dinner is Biden's first of the year.
The speculation included many members of the Biden family, including granddaughter Naomi and her husband Peter Neal. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and prominent labor figures such as UAW Secretary Sean Fein Business figures including David McCall, president of the United Steelworkers of America, and United Steelworkers also attended. Both unions support Biden's re-election.
Dry-aged ribeye steak, cherry blossoms and music by Paul Simon are also part of the evening.
Guests will enjoy meals designed to highlight the “spring bounty” of Japan and the United States. A first course of homemade cured salmon inspired by California rolls and a main dish of dry-aged ribeye steak. Shishito butter, fava beans, mushrooms, and onions. Dessert was a salted caramel pistachio cake with matcha ganache and cherry ice cream.
Jill Biden's favorite flowers, including sweet peas, roses, and peonies, were placed alongside imported cherry blossoms to decorate the east room's mix of round and rectangular dinner tables in shades of pink. Some floral centerpieces reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height.
The tables featured a variety of settings representing the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush. Glass and silk butterflies dance on the table.
After dinner, Simon will perform. The White House said he is one of Jill Biden's favorite artists, adding that she chose him as a special tribute to Kishida because the prime minister also admires Simon's work.
Simon's career spans six decades and includes performing as part of a duo with his childhood friend Art Garfunkel. The 82-year-old New Jersey native has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“The President’s Own” Marine Corps Chamber Orchestra, Army Rolling Strings and Air Force Strings also provide entertainment.
Kishida will be the fifth world leader to whom Biden has attended a state dinner, joining France, South Korea, India and Australia.
