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Official Residence A virtual tour of the former Kantei (Prime Minister's Official Residence)
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The Entrance Hall > The Grand Hall > Scar of the Kantei > Welcoming VIPs
Welcoming VIPs
Days when the Kantei puts on its best
National Flags of Japan and the county of the visiting dignitary raised at the main gate
National Flags of Japan and the county of the visiting dignitary raised at the main gate
Photo No.1 National Flags of Japan and the county of the visiting dignitary raised at the main gate Photo No.2 A guard wearing a special uniform Photo No.3 A banquet at the Grand Hall
When guests of honor from overseas were welcomed at the Kantei, the buildings took on an atmosphere of pomp and ceremony. At the main gate, the national flags of Japan and the country of the visiting dignitary were raised and in the Entrance Hall a red carpet was laid out.

On the occasions of welcome banquets or receptions, which were held in venues such as the Grand Hall, invited guests from every sector of society sometimes numbered in excess of 100 people.

On such days, the guards at the Kantei also wore special uniforms with gold braiding especially for the occasion. It was also usual for the Prime Minister to greet an arriving dignitary at the Entrance Hall. In olden times, it used to be the case that the Prime Minister and invited guests would dress in black ties on many of such occasions, but recently the atmosphere at these occasions has become less formal.

Cuisine on such occasions is prepared under the direction of first-class chefs displaying their skills in Japanese, French and other cuisine. Wine is also chosen to complement the given menu for the occasion or to suit the taste of the guests, and in some cases Japanese sake and famous spirits and alcoholic beverages of the visiting country are also served. Menus are also planned and prepared in great detail, taking into consideration the special requirements of a visiting dignitary, for example the religious dietary restrictions.
Scar of the Kantei
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