President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida's Gift Exchange

U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, at the White House during Kishida's state visit. Among the gifts presented to President Biden were a Wajima-nuri lacquerware ballpoint pen and a set of Wajima-nuri coffee cups. These items are part of the traditional craft of Ishikawa Prefecture and were specifically chosen by Kishida, who highlighted that young craftsmen affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake and tsunami had created the lacquerware for this occasion.

In addition to the Wajima-nuri items, Kishida also brought Okinawan coffee beans and character memorabilia from the popular video game "Super Mario" by Nintendo as gifts. The exchange of gifts was not limited to President Biden, as Yuko Kishida presented first lady Jill Biden with a copper accessory crafted in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, showcasing another traditional craft from the Hokuriku region. Following the gift exchange, the two couples traveled together in the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast," from the White House to a restaurant in Washington, D.C., for dinner together.

The selection of gifts reflected the cultural significance and craftsmanship of various regions in Japan, emphasizing the strong diplomatic ties between Japan and the United States. The exchange not only showcased traditional Japanese crafts but also highlighted the personal touch and thoughtfulness invested by Prime Minister Kishida and his wife in selecting meaningful presents for their hosts during the state visit. The gesture of exchanging gifts serves as a symbolic representation of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries on a diplomatic level.