Informal Dinner between Prime Minister KISHIDA and President Biden

On May 23, commencing at 7:10 p.m. for approximately 85 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, invited the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America, who was on his visit to Japan, for an informal dinner. The dinner was attended from the Japanese side by Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. KIHARA Seiji, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and Mr. AKIBA Takeo, Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat; and from the U.S. side the Honorable Mr. Rahm Emanuel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Japan, the Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America, and the Honorable Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative.

The two leaders exchanged their views on a wide range of bilateral topics between Japan and the U.S., and deepened their friendship in a relaxed atmosphere, talking about their backgrounds, political careers and their families.

The dinner was preceded by a tea ceremony, hosted by Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko, spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan. She explained the spirit of the tea ceremony and her cordial welcome embodied in the room arrangement, and served matcha green tea to the guests, to which President Biden expressed his deep appreciation.

[Note] Menu of the dinner

• Simmered Pacific Lobster with Bamboo Shoots, Beans, Warabi (bracken), and bachiko (dried sea-cucumber ovary)
• Helmet Crab, Needlefish and Okra with Citrus Jelly
  Squid, Leeks and Tomato with Sesame
  Sea Bream, Boiled Japanese Parsley with Soy Sauce and Pumpkin
  Scallop, Miso and Cheese with Sweet Bean Past
• Slow cooked NAGANO Salmon, TOKUSHIMA Vegetables with Yuzu-citrus Cranberry Smash
• Grilled TOKYO Shamo Chicken and Organic Vegetables with Fresh Tomato Fondue
• Japanese Finest Fruits
  Special Gelato from Natori-City, Miyagi Prefecture ((Note) In August 2011, as Vice President, President Biden visited Natori-City, Miyagi Prefecture, which was suffered from the Great East Japan Earthquake.)