Inside Joe Biden's glitzy state dinner for Japanese PM Fumio Kishida: From fusion feast to stellar guests

On April 10, President Joe Biden arranged a spring-themed state dinner at the White House in honor of Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife
PUBLISHED APR 11, 2024
President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shared warm toasts at the April 10 state dinner (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shared warm toasts at the April 10 state dinner (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden hosts lavish state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida to the White House for a state dinner on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden welcomed Kishida for an official state visit where the two leaders announced new agreements on technology and strengthening military and economic partnerships against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, were welcomed at the White House by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, April 10, the White House hosted a state dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, drawing inspiration from both American and Japanese culinary traditions. The ambiance mirrored a serene koi pond, setting the stage for a spring-themed menu and celebrating the enduring alliance between the United States and Japan. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden presided over the event. Renowned singer-songwriter Paul Simon serenaded the esteemed guests, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Robert DeNiro, and entrepreneur Jeff Bezos. Let's explore the remarkable attention to detail that made this dinner an evening to remember.

1. Fusion feast

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford holds the appetizer and main course entree during a State Dinner media preview in the State Dining Room of the White House on April 09, 2024 in Washington, DC. First lady Jill Biden hosted the preview of the courses and table settings that will be a part of the State Dinner for Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford holds the appetizer and main course entree served during the state dinner (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The state dinner blended American and Japanese cuisines, showcasing the culinary prowess of both nations. From house-cured salmon to shiso leaf fritters, each dish was meticulously crafted to honor the flavors of spring. The main course featured dry-aged rib-eye steak adorned with blistered shishito pepper butter, fava beans, morels, and cipollini, accompanied by a decadent sesame oil sabayon. For dessert, guests indulged in salted caramel pistachio cake layered with a rich matcha ganache, complemented by cherry ice cream drizzled with raspberry sauce.

2. Evoking nature's harmony

Place settings are displayed during a State Dinner media preview in the State Dining Room of the White House on April 09, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Place settings for the state dinner (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The ambiance of the evening was akin to strolling through a tranquil koi pond, with every detail meticulously designed to reflect the beauty of the current season. From glass butterflies adorning the tables to a floor transformed into a virtual pond, the decor encapsulated the essence of renewal and friendship.

3. A tribute to tradition

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. President Joe Biden (2nd R), and first lady Jill Biden (R) welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (2nd L) and his wife Yuko Kishida (L) to the White House for a state dinner on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are hosting a state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as part of his official state visit. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, alongside US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden paid homage to the longstanding alliance between the two countries through the time-honored tradition of a state dinner. It was a heartwarming occasion filled with reverence for diplomatic ties and shared values.

4. Stellar guests

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: Actor Robert De Niro (R) and Tiffany Chen arrive at the White House for a state dinner on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are hosting a state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as part of his official state visit. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen arrive at the White House state dinner (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

The guest list boasted an eclectic mix of luminaries, from singer-songwriter Paul Simon to former President Bill Clinton and Hollywood icon Robert DeNiro. Their presence underscored the significance of the event, uniting influential figures across various spheres.

5. Blooms of friendship

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton (C) joins other guests for a state dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the East Room of the White House for a state dinner on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden welcomed Kishida for an official state visit where the two leaders announced new agreements on technology and strengthening military and economic partnerships against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Former President Bill Clinton (C) joins other guests for a state dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The theme of "celebration of spring" extended beyond the culinary realm, with a garden adorned with blooms native to both nations. Sweet peas, peonies, and hydrangeas graced the surroundings, symbolizing the blossoming friendship between the United States and Japan.

6. Colors of unity

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida toast each other during a state dinner in the East Room of the White House on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden welcomed Kishida for an official state visit where the two leaders announced new agreements on technology and strengthening military and economic partnerships against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave toasts to each other during the state dinner (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Central to the theme were the colors green, blue, and pink, each imbued with profound symbolism. Green represented the growth of friendship, blue signified stability and security, while pink embodied the essence of spring, creating a visual tapestry of unity and harmony.

7. Toasts and tributes

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida toast each other during a state dinner in the East Room of the White House on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden welcomed Kishida for an official state visit where the two leaders announced new agreements on technology and strengthening military and economic partnerships against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the state dinner (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

As the evening unfolded, guests savored exquisite wines from Oregon and Washington, raising their glasses in a toast to camaraderie and diplomacy. From Hollywood celebrities to political allies, it was an exclusive affair uniting luminaries from diverse backgrounds, CBS News reported.

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