Visit to the United States by Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko, the Spouse of the Prime Minister: Second Day (Summary)

[Provisional translation]

On April 10, 2024 (local time), Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko, the spouse of the Prime Minister, who is visiting Washington, D.C. with Prime Minister Kishida, attended the Arrival Ceremony before participating in a spouse program hosted by First Lady Jill Biden. Next, Mrs. Kishida visited the Library of Congress, attended the Cherry Blossom Tree Sapling Presentation Ceremony, and finally attended the State Dinner.

1. White House Arrival Ceremony
Mrs. KISHIDA Yuko attended the Arrival Ceremony at the White House with Prime Minister Kishida.
 
2. Spouse Program hosted by Dr. Biden
Mrs. Kishida visited the library in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House to participate in a spouse program hosted by First Lady Jill Biden. The event featured Japanese-American poet Kimiko Hahn, a professor at the City University of New York, and a friendly exchange took place, including a presentation of poems written by local high school students who are learning the Japanese language. Some students presented their poems in both Japanese and English.
 
Mrs. Kishida said, “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate in this special event. Poetry and literature have the power to connect people's hearts and deepen their understanding by transcending language and national boundaries.” Mrs. Kishida also introduced Japanese haiku at the event.
 
At the end of the event, Mrs. Kishida said, "I could really sense the seasons and nature and your feelings towards them in your poems. It made me realize that these feelings are common to all people, and I was reminded of the beauty of poetry.” Mrs. Kishida praised the students for their work and encouraged them as the bearers of Japan-U.S. exchange.
 
3. Visit to the Library of Congress
Mrs. Kishida visited the Library of Congress. Mrs. Kishida viewed materials related to Japan that contribute to the promotion of understanding of Japanese culture in the U.S. including Library’s Sakura collection. She also exchanged views with Ms. Nakahara Mari, Curator of the Library, and others involved in the Library's contribution to Japan-U.S. cultural exchange.
 
4. Cherry blossom tree sapling presentation ceremony
Mrs. Kishida attended Cherry Blossom Tree Sapling Presentation Ceremony with Prime Minister Kishida at Tidal Basin.
 
5. The State Dinner held at the White House
Mrs. Kishida, together with Prime Minister Kishida, attended the State Dinner at the White House.