Obama opens Japan trip at famous sushi restaurant

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-EXCITE

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE

TOKYO (AP) - President Barack Obama on Wednesday opened a four-country Asia tour aimed at reassuring allies in the region that the U.S. remains a committed economic, military and political partner that can serve as a counterweight to China's growing influence.

The president kicked off his trip on an informal note, joining Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a famous Tokyo sushi restaurant with hard-to-come-by reservations and a hefty price tag. Obama and Abe greeted each other warmly outside Sukiyabashi Jiro, the underground sushi restaurant run by 88-year-old Jiro Ono.

The outing was unusually casual by Japanese standards and underscored the effort by both countries to strengthen the personal relationship between Obama and Abe.

The two leaders will hold more formal talks Thursday, with Obama aiming to promote the U.S. as a committed economic, military and political partner. But the West's dispute with Russia over Ukraine threatens to cast a shadow over the president's sales mission.

FULL story at link.




Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140423/DADBRHJ81.html

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President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands before having dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi restaurant in Tokyo, Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Opening a four-country swing through the Asia-Pacific region, Obama is aiming to promote the U.S. as a committed economic, military and political partner, but the West's dispute with Russia over Ukraine threatens to cast a shadow over the president's sales mission. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

[Aristus]

1. Cue the carefully-calculated, prime-time-ready outrage that President Obama is dining

at an expensive restaurant "ON OUR DIME!!!".

Which he isn't, of course. He pays for his and his family's meals from his salary.

But the right-wing dickbags will find something to get poutraged about...

[Botany]

2. Anything to take the attention away from Benghazi!

n/t

[giftedgirl77]

3. mmmm sushi

[pangaia]

4. Worth every yen !!!

[NorthCarolina]

5. The real question however

is not where he ate dinner but, will he be successful in peddling TPP?

[Godhumor]

8. Japan is a TPP negotiator

So I would suspect so.

Key points between the countries are Japan wants us toweek weaken our buy american protections and we want them to truly open their auto import market.

[NorthCarolina]

9. I've been to Japan several times, and I can tell you that American cars are not popular because

they are generally far too big for their narrow roads, especially in city traffic, and US companies generally do not market their cars with the driver/passenger sides reversed. That message was relayed to me every time I asked locals the question of why they do not seem particularly interested in American made automobiles.

[Godhumor]

6. prices start at 30,000 yen (300 bucks) for a 20 minute meal

By money versus time measures, it is considered the most expensive restaurant in the world.

And it is supposed to be worth every dollar. I am in Japan frequently; I will get there some day.

[Major Nikon]

11. For those prices you'd think they could afford to cook the stuff

[RedSpartan]

7. Best sushi restaurant on Earth.

And an absolutely fabulous documentary, if you have the time:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiro_Dreams_of_Sushi

[Ratty]

12. Saw that on PBS

A wonderful documentary. It's not the usual kind of thing I would watch but I started "just for a few minutes" and watched every second. I still think of it often. I heartily recommend it. It's an "Independent Lens" feature.

However I must say, the way he stands there and watches you eat with that deadpan emotionless expression - I can't think of a more uncomfortable dining experience.

[Larkspur]

10. Hope the Prez didn't eat whale meat

Wonder if Japan's whale hunting business came up in discussions?