Ambassador Kato and Mrs. Kato take a moment to feed the carp in the residency's Koi pond. The tea house in the background was first built in Japan and then reassembled at the residence.
Kato is unassuming and approachable with a splash of patriarchal charm. Although having operated for nearly four decades in Japanese foreign policy, he maintains a youthful quality that, without a doubt, has helped ensure his success.
He begins his speech: “In olden times, in England and Scotland, when someone gave a toast, they would stand on a chair and put one foot on the table. I like this. It’s more my style.” The guests laugh, sharing perhaps for the first time that night, a light-hearted moment.
