Here is a release from the official White House website on the visit of President Bush with Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi to Graceland:
President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi Participate in Photo-Op with Mrs. Bush, Priscilla Presley, and Lisa Marie Presley
PRESIDENT BUSH: First of all, the Prime Minister and I would like to thank Priscilla and Lisa for their gracious hospitality. And we thank the Graceland staff, as well, for arranging this unusual experience. First of all, my presence here shows it's never too late to come to Graceland. Laura and I are -- we've known Elvis Presley since we were growing up. He's obviously a major part of our music history. He had an international reputation. His reputation was so strong that he attracted the attention of the now Prime Minister of Japan.
I was hoping the Prime Minister would want to come to Graceland. I knew he loved Elvis -- I didn't realize how much he loved Elvis. He not only knows Elvis' history, he can sing a pretty good Elvis song. This visit here shows that not only am I personally fond of the Prime Minister, but the ties between our peoples are very strong, as well.
And so, again, to the Presleys, thank you all. And Mr. Prime Minister, glad you joined us. Want to say a few comments?
PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: It's like a dream. I never expected President come with me to visit Graceland. There's Elvis song: To Dream Impossible. (Singing Elvis song.) (Laughter.) My dream came true. Thank you very much for -- thank you. Thank you very much for treating me nice, the Elvis song. (Singing Elvis song.) Thank you.
PRESIDENT BUSH: We're going to go have some barbeque, thank you.
-----------------
During the preparations for the visit even the Graceland web cams were turned off, but during the visit a classic shot was captured of a pink Cadillac on the Graceland driveway.
-----------------
You can watch footage from the visit from various sources (copy and paste the link):
The EPE site:
http://www.elvis.com/graceland/special/video_world_leaders.asp
http://www.elvis.com/graceland/special/video_world_leaders_2.asp
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/politics/2006/06/30/vosot.bush.koizumi.graceland.pool&wm=9
http://www.cnn.com/video/player/player.html?url=/video/world/2006/06/29/shubert.japan.elvis.cnn
JNN (Japanese)
http://meta.cdn.yahoo-streaming.jp/cgi-bin/yahoo/news.asx?cid=20060701-00000015-jnn-pol-movie-001&media=wm300k
From The Other White Mansion
July 01, 2006 | Other
samcra wrote on
July 01, 2006
Huge news here in the US. Some of the National Press seemed taken-aback somewhat. Two world leaders at Graceland ?? Most major networks covered the event with respect and seemed to enjoy reporting it . Only CBS resorted to "File" footage showing a couple of loonies at the gate .( huge wigs and home made jumpsuits) All in all tho., fantastic publicity for E and Graceland. The kind you can't buy.
Jth wrote on
July 01, 2006
I really don't think that this is such a great publicity - the world will probably still think that Elvis fans are wackos that can't sing at all, but Koizumi dampens down the image of Elvis fans that they are all fat. But is he really such a great fan? Elvis never sang a song called "To Dream Impossible" - it's called "The Impossible Dream"!
Clambake67 wrote on
July 01, 2006
Gieve the poor guy a break. He doesnt even speak English and he eventually got the words to "Impossible Dream" correct. I think he is quite a big Elvis fan and showed great respect for everyone. What an honor this was to have 2 World leaders at Graceland.Have never heard of this happening to any other celebrity's home dead or alive.
Steve V wrote on
July 01, 2006
A great day for the Elvis world and the free world. Shows what the power of Elvis & his music can accomplish!
Elvisy wrote on
July 02, 2006
It was absolutely FANSTASTI to say the least.Who would ever dream that something like this would happen!Elvis' impossible dream did come true after all.Great really brought tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart. Lisa Marie I must say looks so much like her father that seems so sad in a way.