As Americans, we have much to thank Japan for, particularly those of us who love things like robots, manga and anime.
Now President Barack Obama has personally thanked Japan for all these wonderfully geeky things, as he welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House this morning.
Prime Minister Abe and President Obama plan on meeting this week to discuss international trade.
"This visit is a celebration of the ties of friendship and family that bind our peoples," says President Obama. "Today is also a chance for Americans, especially our young people, to say thank you for all the things we love from Japan. Like karate and karaoke. Manga and anime. And, of course, emojis."
We couldn't agree more. Thank you, Japan!
President Obama has often proven himself a geek, as seen in photos and interviews where he's spoken about collecting Spider-Man and Conan comics, as well as being a fan of both Star Trek and Star Wars. The President is also a strong supporter of projects that get elementary and college students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
You can watch the full speech here as the president and his wife welcome Abe and his wife to the White House, returning the hospitality they received when they visited Japan last year.
The President's remarks received laughter from both Prime Minister Abe and the attending audience.
"This visit also has historic significance," President Obama continues. "In 1960, President Eisenhower welcomed Prime Minister Abe's grandfather."
That meeting resulted in the signing of the present security treaty with Japan, "committing America and Japan into an indestructible partnership."
The video ends with clips from Prime Minister Abe's White House visit, including his introduction to Vice President Joe Biden.
Last night, President Obama invited Prime Minister Abe to a state dinner and then recited a haiku in a toast before drinking sake in honor of Abe's visit.
[Photo Credit: The White House | Flickr]
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