Congresswoman Diana DeGette Dines with Japanese Prime Minister

Congresswoman Diana DeGette got a front row seat when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the White House as part of his week-long stop in the United States.

The Denver Democrat is the co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan and was one of only a few members of Congress to attend a state dinner at the White House Tuesday for Shinzo and other Japanese officials. Earlier, DeGette had lunch with Japanese officials, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry.

DeGette was born in Tachikawa, Japan at the Air Force base when her dad was stationed overseas. Although she moved back to Denver when she was very young, her staff said she long has had a personal connection and interest in the country.

Abe returned home Saturday after visiting the University of Southern California, where was a student in the 1970s. This what is called the Golden Week in Japan, where they celebrate holidays bunched close together; Japanese officials often travel to the United States at this time.