During Prime Minister Kishida's state visit to the United States, he and his wife Yuko were invited to the White House by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. As a gesture of goodwill, Kishida presented Biden with a Wajima-nuri lacquerware ballpoint pen, showcasing the traditional craft from Ishikawa Prefecture. The gifts were chosen thoughtfully, with Kishida explaining to Biden that the lacquerware items, specifically created by young craftsmen affected by a recent disaster, held special significance.
In addition to the Wajima-nuri items, the gifts exchanged included a set of Wajima-nuri coffee cups and other products that represent different regions of Japan, such as Okinawan coffee beans and character memorabilia from the popular "Super Mario" video game. The visit also highlighted cultural exchanges, as Yuko presented a copper accessory from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, to Jill Biden, showcasing yet another traditional craft from Japan's Hokuriku region. Following the gift exchange, the two couples shared a personal moment riding together in the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast," en route to a dinner at a restaurant in Washington, D.C.