Shrine summitry

Good pic, although it really shows you who Japan places priority in. Why not hob-knob with a few of the other leaders for a change? He doesn't LITERALLY need to be Obama's lap-dog, nipping at his heels all the time.

Planting trees, please tell us the botanicals? Ginkyo biloba?

Little curious about outside temp? they are not wearing cool-biz suits, i guess.

I still believe the subliminal flags message (almost all Japanese with only 1 for each country) is speaking volume about how Japan is welcoming world guest leaders.

How lame.

First time any of them have ever done any real work I would imagine.

I remember Berlusconi blowing a kiss at J school girls during one of those G8 summits a few years back, saying to Sarkozy 'thats how we do it nicolas'.

Dont think this lot will misbehave.

He doesn't LITERALLY need to be Obama's lap-dog, nipping at his heels all the time.

Most countries vie to stand next to the President in photo opportunities. Besides, he is the host and Obama is the most important of the leaders there.

Is Abe wearing a blue suit? How wild! Is this the official OK for everyone else to also go non-black?

Looks like those kids just want to go home!

Let's see, 4 + 2 + 4 = 10.

Hang on, I thought that there were only 8 in the G-7. ...

Oh I see - Tusk IS there, and so are Juncker, and, and Suzuki !?!

No French flag ??? (At least I can't see one...)

If you are already in a hole you should just STOP DIGGING

...and so many children and no sign of a smirk never mind a cheesy grin. Sad.

I doubt the children were given a say in the matter, but probably were happy to get out of school. All very carefully choreographed. Every time Obama is around Abe always likes his picture with him. Good point Smith.

Those four children holding the Canadian flags must be the ones I gave lapel flag pins to, last week. Nice to see, although a bit shamelessly biased, I am.

For a second there, I thought they were breaking ground on the Olympic Stadium

both pictures are nice, cheer my day