President Obama officially welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House on Tuesday to address free trade and international cooperation. But before the discussion turned too serious, the Most Powerful Man in the World wanted to talk a little about manga and anime.

Speaking at the arrival ceremony, Obama said the visit by Abe and his wife Akie was an opportunity for he and First Lady Michelle Obama to return the hospitality they received in Japan (where the president played soccer with a robot).

"This visit is a celebration," Obama continued, "of the ties of friendship and family that bind our peoples. [...] Today is also a chance for Americans, especially our young people, to say thank you for all the things we love from Japan. Like karate and karaoke. Manga and anime. And, of course, emojis."

Whether manga and anime talk continued after the pomp and circumstance ended, we may never know. But perhaps Obama can apply pressure on Abe to rush along the second season of Attack on Titan.

Catch the pertinent part of the president's remarks below, courtesy of Mashable, and watch the entire half-hour ceremony at WhiteHouse.gov.