Dear Diary: It seems that the Japanese have taken offense at the absence of Michelle on my visit. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy gave me a heads-up about this on my way to dinner with Prime Minister Abe. I greeted Mr Abe and said: "It s a strange that you should share a name with one of our greatest presidents "
"Which President, Mr President?" Mr Abe asked
'Why, Abe Lincoln, of course" I answered, between delicious mouthfuls of Kobe beef.
We had a translator at the table with us. I am not familiar with Japanese gestures, but the translator made rotary motion with an index finger around one ear as he said: "Abe Lincoln."