No imperial dinner for Obama?

After all that tug-of-war over the duration of U.S. President Barack Obama’s official trip to Japan later this month, the visit is turning out to be a strange one.

For one thing, Obama and his entourage will be staying at regular hotel in downtown Tokyo instead of the VIP residence which is usually offered for state visitors.

Virtually all VIPs, including French President Francois Hollande who was in Japan last June, stayed at the exclusive premises.

This is not all. The Japanese government had insisted that it be a three-day visit for all formalities, including a state dinner, to proceed smoothly.

However, it turns out that there will be no imperial dinner for Obama although it is not clear why the festivity will not take place.

While Washington finally accepted Japan’s proposal for a three-day visit, Obama will be arriving in Tokyo late April 23, thus actually making it a two-day visit.

Also creating a question mark is the fact that Obama will not be accompanied by his wife Michelle which is against general protocol during state visits.

The Japanese media reported these irregularities and added that is it also abnormal for Washington not to notify Tokyo of the time of Obama’s arrival six days prior to his visit.