During the state visit at the White House, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife brought an array of gifts to U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Among the presents given were Wajima-nuri lacquerware, a traditional craft from Ishikawa Prefecture, which showcased the resilience of young craftsmen who had been impacted by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Other gifts included Okinawan coffee beans, character memorabilia from the "Super Mario" video game, and a copper accessory from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture.
The exchange of gifts was not merely ceremonial; rather, it represented a cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. The significance of presenting these traditional crafts and iconic character memorabilia highlighted the longstanding friendship and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Following the gift exchange, the leaders and their spouses rode together in the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast," to a restaurant in Washington, D.C., for a dinner gathering. This gesture further symbolized the bond and hospitality shared between Japan and the United States during this official visit.