[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
[June 30, 2006]
[Pages 1241-1242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks With Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan in Memphis, Tennessee
June 30, 2006

    President Bush. It is such a joy to be here to Graceland. It's my 
first visit.
    Prime Minister Koizumi. My first visit too.
    President Bush. The Prime Minister's first visit.
    Prime Minister Koizumi. It's like a dream, with President Bush and 
Presley's daughter.

[[Page 1242]]

    President Bush. Thank you all for greeting us. You're awfully kind 
to be here.
    Prime Minister Koizumi. You look like Elvis.

[At this point, the late entertainer Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa 
Marie, spoke in Japanese, and no translation was provided.]

    President Bush. The visit here is an indication of how well-known 
Elvis was around the world. A lot of people are still singing Elvis 
Presley songs here in the States, and there's a lot of people who love 
Elvis Presley in Japan, including the Prime Minister. This visit is also 
a way of reminding us about the close friendship between our peoples.
    And, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for agreeing to come here. A lot 
of Americans are thrilled you're here, particularly to Graceland. It 
means a lot to our country that you would be that interested in one of 
America's icons, Elvis Presley.
    Prime Minister Koizumi. My birthday is the same as Elvis's.
    President Bush. You and Elvis were born on the same day?
    Prime Minister Koizumi. January 8th. Even now, I often listen to 
Elvis CDs.
    President Bush. Still listen to Elvis CDs?
    Prime Minister Koizumi. Sure.
    President Bush. You're a pretty good Elvis singer.
    Prime Minister Koizumi. I'm not impersonator.

[Prime Minister Koizumi sang an Elvis song.]

    President Bush. I thought you were going to do ``Blue Suede Shoes.'' 
Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 10:38 a.m. at Graceland.