During the state visit to the White House on April 9, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gifted U.S. President Joe Biden with a collection of items representing Japanese culture. These gifts included a set of Wajima-nuri coffee cups and a ballpoint pen, both traditional crafts from Ishikawa Prefecture. Kishida shared the significance of these gifts with Biden, highlighting how they were specially crafted by young artisans affected by the recent disaster in the region.
Aside from the Wajima-nuri lacquerware, Kishida also presented Biden with Okinawan coffee beans and character memorabilia from the popular video game "Super Mario." The exchange of gifts wasn't one-sided, as Yuko, Kishida's wife, gifted first lady Jill Biden with a copper accessory from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, showcasing another traditional craft from Japan. The diplomatic gesture of exchanging gifts allowed for a cultural exchange between the two countries during the state visit.
Following the gift exchange, the Kishidas and the Bidens had the opportunity to spend time together outside of formal meetings. They shared a ride in the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast," from the White House to a restaurant in Washington, D.C., where they enjoyed dinner together. This social interaction between the leaders and their spouses added a personal touch to the diplomatic visit, fostering relationships beyond official engagements.