Tim Cook, Robert De Niro, and Hillary Clinton rubbed shoulders at the White House state dinner for Japan — see the night's best photos

Talia LakritzApr 12, 2024, 01:22 IST

The East Room of the White House during a state dinner for Japan.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted a state dinner for the prime minister of Japan.
Cherry blossoms appeared in the White House decor and menu as well as in guests' outfits.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, to the White House for a state dinner on Wednesday.

The event, featuring cherry blossom-themed decor and high-profile guests, was more than just an excuse to dress up and decorate the White House. The two leaders reaffirmed military and economic partnerships between the US and Japan and announced new technology initiatives related to cybersecurity, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

Take a look at some of the highlights from the state dinner.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, at a state dinner on Wednesday evening.

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.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Dinner was served on china sets designed by Lady Bird Johnson and Laura Bush.

Place settings are displayed ahead of the state dinner for Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida.DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images

Cherry blossoms appeared throughout the evening, from the decor to the desserts.

Dessert at the White House state dinner for Japan.DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images

Naomi Biden wore a pink cape dress printed with cherry blossoms from Belgian designer Bernadette.

Naomi Biden and her husband Peter Neal arrive at the White House for the Japan state dinner.Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton wore a pink caftan reminiscent of a Japanese kimono.

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton arrive at the White House for the state dinner in honor of Japan.DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images

Jeff Bezos' fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, wore a daring, fiery-red sheer corset dress by Rasario.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez arrive at the White House for the state dinner.DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images

Robert De Niro and his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, also attended the dinner.

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen arrive at the White House.DREW ANGERER/AFP via Getty Images

Apple CEO Tim Cook also made the guest list.

Apple CEO Tim Cook attends the state dinner for Japan in the East Room of the White House.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The East Room was decorated with colorful springtime blooms and butterflies made of glass and silk.

The East Room of the White House during a state dinner for Japan.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Kishida toasted Biden with a quote from "Star Trek," expressing hope that US-Japan relations would "boldly go where no one had gone before."

President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida toast each other during a state dinner.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

After dinner, Paul Simon sang his hit songs "Graceland" and "Slip Slidin' Away."

Paul Simon performs at the White House.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

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Tim Cook, Robert De Niro, and Hillary Clinton rubbed shoulders at the White House state dinner for Japan &mdash; see the night's best photos