In Pictures: Biden hosts Japan's Kishida at glitzy state dinner
Tim Cook and Jeff Bezos among guests, with live music from Paul Simon
U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a plush state dinner at the White House after their Washington summit on Wednesday.
Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Apple's Tim Cook and Lilas Ikuta (often known by the nickname Ikura) from Japanese pop duo Yoasobi were high-profile names among the 200 guests.
David McCall, international president of the United Steelworkers (USW), which opposes the planned $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, also joined the event, where the menu included U.S. steak and cherry blossom ice cream.
Kishida cracked jokes in a speech, saying he hoped the "unshakable relationship" between his country and the U.S. would "boldly go where no one had gone before," referencing the popular American science fiction series "Star Trek."
After eating, guests were treated to a performance from music star Paul Simon, who opened his set with the famous track "Graceland."
Here's a look at some scenes from the dinner.
U.S. first lady Jill Biden hosts a media preview ahead of the state dinner. (Photo: Reuters)
U.S. first lady Jill Biden hosts a media preview ahead of the state dinner. (Photo: Reuters)
A place setting and menu are shown during the media preview. (Photo: Reuters)
A place setting and menu are shown during the media preview. (Photo: Reuters)
Desert came with a Japanese twist. (Photo: Reuters)
Desert came with a Japanese twist. (Photo: Reuters)
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose for a photo as they welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, to the state dinner at the White House. (Photo: AP)
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose for a photo as they welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, to the state dinner at the White House. (Photo: AP)
Apple CEO Tim Cook arrives with Lisa Jackson, the company's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives. (Photo: EPA/Jiji)
Apple CEO Tim Cook arrives with Lisa Jackson, the company's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives. (Photo: EPA/Jiji)
David McCall, international president of the United Steelworkers, and his wife, Donna McCall, head into the dinner. (Photo: Getty Images)
David McCall, international president of the United Steelworkers, and his wife, Donna McCall, head into the dinner. (Photo: Getty Images)
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, were also on the guest list. (Photo: Reuters)
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, were also on the guest list. (Photo: Reuters)
Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani wore traditional Japanese clothing to the event. (Photo: Getty Images)
Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani wore traditional Japanese clothing to the event. (Photo: Getty Images)
Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen smile on their way in. (Photo: Reuters)
Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen smile on their way in. (Photo: Reuters)
Hong Kong movie producer Tiffany Chen arrives with Hollywood star Robert De Niro. (Photo: Reuters)
Hong Kong movie producer Tiffany Chen arrives with Hollywood star Robert De Niro. (Photo: Reuters)
Former President Bill Clinton and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton make their way into the meal. (Photo: Reuters)
Former President Bill Clinton and ex-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton make their way into the meal. (Photo: Reuters)
Ayase, left, and Ikura of Japanese superduo Yoasobi brought a youthful edge to proceedings. (Photo: AP)
Ayase, left, and Ikura of Japanese superduo Yoasobi brought a youthful edge to proceedings. (Photo: AP)
Microsoft President Brad Smith, left, poses for photos alongside Gregory Smith. (Photo: Reuters)
Microsoft President Brad Smith, left, poses for photos alongside Gregory Smith. (Photo: Reuters)
The Bidens and Kishidas were at the heart of the event in the White House. (Photo: Reuters)
The Bidens and Kishidas were at the heart of the event in the White House. (Photo: Reuters)
Amazon's Jeff Bezos laughs during dinner. (Photo: AFP/Jiji)
Amazon's Jeff Bezos laughs during dinner. (Photo: AFP/Jiji)
Biden addresses guests at the meal. (Photo: EPA/Jiji)
Biden addresses guests at the meal. (Photo: EPA/Jiji)
Kishida tried to bring a dash of humor to the evening with some of his comments. (Photo: Reuters)
Kishida tried to bring a dash of humor to the evening with some of his comments. (Photo: Reuters)
After dinner, entertainment was provided by legendary musician Paul Simon, who played a selection of his iconic songs. (Photo: Reuters)
After dinner, entertainment was provided by legendary musician Paul Simon, who played a selection of his iconic songs. (Photo: Reuters)
Editing: Ken Kobayashi, Fernando Alves
Copy editor: Joseph Radford
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