Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi visited the United States as an official guest--the first official visit to the United States by a Japanese prime minister in 12 years. His visit set the direction for medium- and long-term bilateral cooperation, and contacts with ordinary Americans in Los Angeles and Chicago gave him a chance to show his common touch.

The prime minister visited Los Angeles on April 29 and Chicago on April 30 and May 1. This was the first time a Japanese prime minister had made a goodwill visit to regional American cities in eight years. In both cities he made speeches at dinners in his honor and also interacted with ordinary citizens, including students at the University of Chicago, thus working to broaden the base of Japan-U.S. relations.

In his Los Angeles speech, the prime minister stressed the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship in the twenty-first century: "What is indispensable for the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region? It is for Japan and the U.S. to maintain their firm security alliance. . . . We must cooperate to make the twenty-first century a century of peace and prosperity in the true sense of the word. What is particularly required for this effort is that Japan and the United States work as closely together as if we were in a three-legged race."

His Chicago speech had a similar emphasis. "The Japan-U.S. relationship is in the best and most stable state ever," he said. "Therefore, I am not worried about our future; I am totally optimistic. . . . Relations between our two countries have seen both sunny days and stormy days. Of course, as even the closest couple may quarrel from time to time, . . . our two countries have differences on issues like trade now and then. My belief, however, is that any difficulties between our two countries can be overcome." He added, "Based on the shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, and taking advantage of our number one and number two economic positions in the world, Japan and the United States can and should make various constructive contributions to the world, which is currently in transition and turmoil."

On May 3 the prime minister met with U.S. President Bill Clinton in the White House in Washington, D.C. The two leaders confirmed that their countries, allies sharing the values of freedom and democracy, would continue to cooperate to achieve their common goal of building a peaceful and prosperous world in the twenty-first century. In addition to discussing economic, security, and other bilateral issues, they exchanged views on major issues facing the international community, including conditions in Kosovo, Asia, and elsewhere and efforts toward a stable world economy. The president praised the steps the prime minister was taking to revitalize the Japanese economy and Japan's support in Kosovo.

After their summit the prime minister and president held a joint press conference. In reference to Kosovo, the prime minister said, "Japan . . . as a member of the the G-8 countries would like to make efforts towards a political solution. And in this connection . . . I mentioned to President Clinton that it is important to form a common stand amongst the G-8 countries, and asked President Clinton to engage in even closer consultations with the Russians." The president said, "I want to thank Prime Minister Obuchi for Japan's strong support of our efforts in Kosovo." Regarding the Japanese economy, the prime minister said, "I explained to the president that Japan is swiftly and boldly taking every measure in order to address the difficulties we are facing, and to achieve Japan's economic recovry. Referring to specific measures aimed at the revitalization of the Japanese economy and structural reform, I also explained that we'll pave a solid path for recovery within fiscal year 1999, and will continue our efforts with unwavering resolve to ensure positive growth. . . . By continuing to advance structural reform, I firmly believe that Japan will soon regain its vitality." The president remarked, "I want to commend the prime minister for taking a number of very strong steps to restructure Japan's banking system and stimulate its economy."

Although it was not part of his original itinerary, on May 4 the prime minister met with Russian special envoy Viktor Chernomyrdin to discuss the Kosovo situation.

The ceremony to confer first-class decorations in connection with the annual spring honors was held in the Matsu no Ma hall of the Imperial Palace. The recipients received their decorations from His Imperial Majesty the Emperor and their certificates of decoration from Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. Yoshihiko Tsuchiya, a former president of the House of Councillors of the National Diet and recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, Paulownia Flowers, spoke on behalf of the recipients, saying, "We resolve anew to do our very best in our various fields." His Imperial Majesty the Emperor replied, "We are deeply grateful for your efforts in behalf of the nation, society, and the people."

Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi met with Andres Pastrana Arango, president of the Republic of Colombia, at the prime minister's official residence. President Pastrana was in Japan on an official working visit, the first since that of President Virgilio Barco Vargas in 1989. President Pastrana expressed his determination to continue efforts to reach a peace agreement with leftist guerrillas in Colombia and thanked the prime minister for Japan's assistance in the aftermath of the January earthquake in western Colombia.

Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi attended a ceremony in front of a Tokyo department store to launch the central campaign of the annual spring traffic safety campaign. The ceremony included a demonstration of the correct way to strap a toddler into a child seat, whose use will become mandatory next spring.

Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi met with Alberto Fujimori, president of the Republic of Peru, at the prime minister's official residence. President Fujimori was in Japan as an official working visit guest. This year marks the centenary of Japanese immigration to Peru. In addition to discussing the past century of bilateral relations, the two leaders exchanged views on the importance of continued cooperation and on Peru's medium- and long-term nation building.

Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka, and other government officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new prime minister's official residence at the construction site west of the present official residence. The new official residence, scheduled for completion in fiscal 2001 (April 2001-March 2002), will replace the present official residence, which was completed in 1928 and is showing its age. The new official residence will have five floors above ground and one below and will be an "intelligent building" equipped with state-of-the-art crisis-management facilities. Addressing those assembled, the prime minister said, "This groundbreaking ceremony is a most happy occasion. I hope the new official residence will be one that the people will be able to feel close to and take pride in."

Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi met with United States Policy Coordinator for North Korea William Perry, Republic of Korea Minister of National Unification Lim Dong Won, and others to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The prime minister reiterated Japan's support for the report that Perry will submit to U.S. President Bill Clinton and the importance of continued trilateral coordination among Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States vis-ˆ-vis North Korea.