Professional angler and bait manufacturer Gary Yamamoto and wife Beverly were among 130 guests who attended a dinner and reception at the White House for Japan Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi earlier this summer.
"The guest list was an interesting mix of important government officials from both countries, and many of the guests were notable members of the Japanese-American community," Yamamoto reported in his weekly newsletter.
Many of the couples were separated for dinner. Gary sat two places away from President Bush at a table that also included Prime Minister Koizumi. Beverly was at Vice President Cheney's table and sat between Masaharu Morimoto (TV's Iron Chef) and Brett Hedican of the NHL champion Carolina Hurricanes (husband of Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi).
"Being invited to dinner at the White House is quite an honor and it's something Beverly and I will always remember the rest of our lives," Yamamoto said.
In the photo (left to right) are Gary Yamamoto, First Lady Laura Bush, Prime Minister Koizumi, President Bush and Beverly Yamamoto.
