Japanese prime minister, wife attend state dinner

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama’s state dinner for the prime minister of Japan offered guests a new chef, new china and the specter of chopsticks — a daunting challenge for some nervous newcomers — no big deal to others.

The president welcomed guest of honor Shinzo Abe with a toast over sake that included a haiku about spring and friendship.

Abe, in return, went with R&B.

He quoted the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to convey the strength of the bonds between the U.S. and Japan.

First lady Michelle Obama found another way to pay tribute to the guest nation, wearing a purple sleeveless gown by Japanese-born designer Tadashi Shoji.

With fewer than 200 guests, it was Obama’s smallest state dinner, and it had a decidedly low celebrity quotient.

“Star Trek” luminary George Takei was back for his first state visit since the Clinton administration. TV powerhouse Shonda Rhimes, mastermind of the hit shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” was a first-timer.

As with every state dinner, it was all part of a carefully laid plan to promote friendly relations between the U.S. president and the leader of the guest country. That would be Abe, who joked at a Tuesday luncheon that he dared not overdo the drinking at dinner because he’s addressing a joint meeting of Congress today.

Even the after-dinner entertainment was aimed at bringing together the two cultures. Cast members from the film adaptation of “Jersey Boys” were performing selections from the jukebox musical, which was popular in Japan.