White House Arrival Ceremony of Prime Minister Kishida (Summary)

On April 10th, commencing at 10:00 a.m. (local time, 11:00 p.m. on April 10th, Japan time) for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, during his official visit to Washington D.C., attended the Arrival Ceremony at the White House. The overview of the Arrival Ceremony is as follows.

1. Prime Minister & Mrs. Kishida were welcomed by President & Dr. Biden and the national anthems of each country was played upon the 19-gun salute. Prime Minister Kishida reviewed the Guard of Honor with President Biden.

2. President Biden stated his welcome to Prime Minister & Mrs. Kishida and stated that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of the peace, security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and international society and that Japan and the U.S. are true global partners. President Biden also stated that Prime Minister Kishida is a courageous leader who did not hesitate in condemning Russia upon Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and that Japan and the U.S. are the closest of friends. 

3. In turn, Prime Minister Kishida stated that the cooperation of Japan and the U.S., tied together by common values and commitment is now a global one, and that as the international society faces more challenges and difficulties than ever before, Japan will continue to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations and work on solving the challenges of the Indo-Pacific region and the world as global partners, looking onto the world in the next 10, and 100 years. Prime Minister Kishida also touched upon the cherry blossoms on the Potomac River, the symbol of Japan-U.S. friendship, and that Japan has decided to give 250 cherry blossom trees to the U.S. commemorating the 250 year anniversary of U.S. Independence. Prime Minister Kishida stated that the Japan-U.S. friendship will further develop and blossom building on the friendship, respect and trust of the people of each country.