WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the White House on Thursday for dinner after a full day of discussions and negotiations.
“Tonight, I am delighted to welcome a great friend and partner for her very first visit to the White House,” Trump said. "We’ve become very close, so close that I endorsed her for her election.”
He congratulated the prime minister on her resounding victory and forecast a mutually beneficial working relationship.
“Americans and Japanese come from opposite sides of the globe, but since the earliest days of commerce between our countries, we always recognized that despite our differences, we share a great deal in common,” Trump said.
“Both of our civilizations have been defined and propelled by proud cultures deeply committed to excellence, hard work, and the frontiers of what is possible.”
With the first signs of spring arriving in the city, he noted the timing of the Japanese delegation’s arrival, as residents and tourists are preparing for one of the prettiest displays in the world.
“The blooming of the Japanese cherry blossom trees is something very special,” Trump said, remarking on the annual tradition since Japan gifted more than 3,000 trees to the city in 1912.
“For more than a century, this magnificent explosion of pink and white has graced America’s capital, and it’s been something that really represents Washington so well.”
Trump thanked the prime minister for Japan’s recent gift of 250 cherry trees to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
“They will remind every future generation of our timeless bond,” he said.
Takaichi said the trees represent a “symbol of the history of Japan and the United States’ friendship.”
She offered words of celebration for the nation’s upcoming semi-sesquicentennial anniversary and for the president’s son Barron Trump’s 20th birthday on March 20.
The prime minister, a car enthusiast, brought attention to the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, scheduled for August 23.
“This race will bring roaring Chevrolet and Honda engines to the National Mall,” she said.
“The Indy car race is a perfect example of the friendship between Japan and the United States.”
She echoed a statement made by her and Trump’s mutual friend, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, saying, “Japan’s back.”
“Japan will once again lead innovation in the world, and the new Japan stands ready to play an even greater role in world peace,” Takaichi said.
“Let us together create a new chapter in the history of Japan–U.S. alliance, a chapter filled with hope and strength.”
Guests, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Google CEO Sundar Pinchai, among others, were seated at tables set with gold cutlery.
The meal included carrot ginger velouté for the first course, followed by Maine lobster au gratin with corn puree and asparagus, and dessert was a White House favorite: strawberry and vanilla cream gateau.