President Joe Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the White House with a ceremony Wednesday morning.
“The alliance between Japan and the U.S. is the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and around the world,” Biden said. “Our is truly a global partnership, and for that, Mr. Kishida, I thank you.”
Kishida was welcomed with a 19-gun salute, and both national anthems were played on the South Lawn of the executive mansion.
The Japanese leader is visiting Washington D.C. for a state dinner and a series of meetings, including one that will also feature Philippine Ferdinand Marcos Jr. All three nations are looking to combat the rising threat presented by China in the region.
Biden called Kishida a “visionary” leader and thanked him for his leadership in slapping sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Japan has also committed to raising its domestic military spending and has formed a new alliance with South Korea.
“As president of the Group of Seven last year, the prime minister rallied Japan’s partners to take action on nuclear disarmament, global poverty, economic resilience, and other key issues,” Biden said.
Kishida spoke next, mentioning the cherry trees Japan donated to the United States more than a century ago that still bloom each spring in Washington, D.C.
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Some of those original trees are being removed for a renovation project, and the others are beyond their natural life cycle, so Kishida announced he is donating 250 more in honor of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary as a nation in 2026.
“The friendship between Japan and the U.S. will continue to grow and bloom around the world,” Kishida said, “thriving on the friendship, respect, and trust of the people of both countries.”
