During a state visit to the US in 2015 by Japan’s then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the enduring alliance between the two nations was on full display. At a White House dinner, President Barack Obama toasted Abe with sake from his home prefecture of Yamaguchi and attempted a haiku to celebrate their relationship. For his part, Abe invoked the Motown classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to capture Japan’s unwavering commitment to America.
The next day, as he became the first Japanese prime minister ever to address a joint meeting of Congress, Abe reflected on the decision to form an alliance with the US after Japan’s defeat in World War II. “That’s the path that made Japan grow and prosper,” he said, in a 43-minute speech punctuated by standing ovations. “Even today, there is no alternative.”
AloJapan.com