Spouses of G7 Leaders Sample Japanese Culture

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:02 JST, May 20, 2023

HIROSHIMA — Spouses of the Group of Seven leaders have taken part in several events in the summit’s host city Hiroshima on Friday to help deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and focus on the importance of peace.

The spousal program, hosted by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s wife Yuko, included a tea ceremony and a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Spouses of leaders from the U.S., U.K., Germany and the EU attended the program.

At the luncheon, they enjoyed kaiseki cuisine and a tea ceremony in a tea house before attending a next generations’ symposium where they interacted with about 100 students and others from Hiroshima Prefecture.

“Everyone is a player for peace. I hope everyone will take steps toward peace,” Yuko said at the symposium.

Spouses of national leaders have the power to spread messages, and their words and actions often attract attention. The Japanese government hopes that their experiences in the atomic bombed city will help to send a message of peace to the world.

Sadako’s Paper Cranes Convey Wish for Peace to Spouses of G7 Leaders