Politics & Government

Japan Govt Egged On to Have After-Party for Visiting Yoon

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
The Rengatei restaurant in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, in 2010

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:54 JST, March 14, 2023

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has a penchant for a certain Japanese dish, and the government of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida knows just the place to treat him to it — even if it means going against established practice.

When Yoon comes to Japan this week, the government plans to accommodate his request for a dish of rice omelet by holding a special after-party following their official dinner on Thursday. It is quite unusual for the government to hold such a second gathering.

Several government sources said that the after-party is likely to take place at Rengatei in Ginza, Tokyo, a popular and long-established restaurant specializing in yoshoku, or Japnese-style Western dishes.

The government plans to hold the official dinner at another restaurant in the Ginza area, and the details will be finalized after taking security and other factors into account.

Only a few selected personnel will attend the dinner so that Kishida and Yoon will be able to deepen a relationship of mutual trust.