WASHINGTON -- U.S. first lady Jill Biden will attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, the White House announced Tuesday.
Although he himself will not be attending, U.S. President Joe Biden is believed to be aiming to send a clear message of the value he places on the Japan-U.S. alliance by sending his wife in his place.
Regarding Japan's decision to hold most of the Olympic events without spectators, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last week, "The President supports the Tokyo Olympic Games and the public health measures necessary to protect athletes, staff, and spectators."
The U.S. has sent a team to Tokyo to coordinate the details of the first lady's visit, her first trip to Japan as a since her husband's inauguration.
In 2012, then U.S. President Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, attended the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
