Xi Jinping's Thermos at White House State Dinner Sparks Speculation Over Japanese TIGER Brand
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan attracted widespread attention at the White House state dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump last Thursday, when they were observed using personal thermoses alongside the formal fine china, silverware, and crystal stemware. Online commentators quickly identified Xi's black thermos as a product from Japanese century-old brand TIGER, noting that a rectangular covering appeared to hide the original logo on the cup. According to the White House Press Pool citing Chinese journalists, the thermoses were transported from the Red Flag sedan in which Xi and Peng arrived .
Key Points
- Xi and Peng Liyuan brought their own thermoses to the White House state dinner on September 24, 2026, using black and white versions respectively
- The thermoses were reportedly carried from their Red Flag limousine, with speculation that they contained hot water or tea
- Observers identified the black thermos as Japanese brand TIGER, noting a concealed logo that resembles the "TIGER" trademark
- The TIGER MJF-A series (0.36L model priced at approximately HK$368) closely matches the appearance of the cup at the dinner
- TIGER was founded by Kikuchi Takenori in Osaka in February 1923, gaining fame after its thermoses survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of September 1923 unscathed
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the distinctive personal habits of world leaders during formal diplomatic occasions, where Xi's choice of a personal thermos contrasts sharply with the ceremonial surroundings. For Hong Kong consumers, the renewed interest in TIGER products comes amid ongoing popularity of Japanese-made home goods among mainland visitors, particularly as the yen's weakness and expanded duty-free shopping continue to attract cross-border shoppers. The brand's legendary reputation for durability—established during Japan's worst natural disaster a century ago—continues to resonate with consumers seeking quality products.
The incident highlights the distinctive personal habits of world leaders during formal diplomatic occasions, where Xi's choice of a personal thermos contrasts sharply with the ceremonial surroundings. For Hong Kong consumers, the renewed interest in TIGER products comes amid ongoing popularity of Japanese-made home goods among mainland visitors, particularly as the yen's weakness and expanded duty-free shopping continue to attract cross-border shoppers. The brand's legendary reputation for durability—established during Japan's worst natural disaster a century ago—continues to resonate with consumers seeking quality products.