Abe Sees Imperial Succession More Important than Super Bowl: Trump

April 28, 2019

Washington- U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that his decision to accept an invitation to visit Japan next month came after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told him that the Imperial succession is an event 100 times more important than the Super Bowl.

Trump is scheduled to visit Japan as a state guest on May 25-28, likely becoming the first foreign leader to meet with the new Emperor after Crown Prince Naruhito accedes to the throne on Wednesday.

Speaking before his meeting with Abe at the White House, Trump said he had not been sure whether he would accept the Japanese leader's invitation.

"I said, 'Gee, I don't know if I can make it. Let me ask you a question: How big is that event compared to the Super Bowl for the Japanese?'" Trump said. Then "the prime minister said, 'It's about 100 times bigger.' I said, 'I'll be there. If that's the case, I'll be there,'" he said. Jiji Press