star trek no bathrooms

Exploring The Sanitary Side Of Star Trek: Are There Bathrooms In The Final Frontier?

• Last updated Mar 07, 2024
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category Bathroom Planning

Have you ever wondered how bathrooms work in the future? In the futuristic world of Star Trek, where advanced technology and interstellar travel are commonplace, even the mundane aspects of everyday life are reimagined. Despite never being explicitly shown in the popular science fiction franchise, the existence of bathrooms in Star Trek raises intriguing questions about their design and functionality. Join us as we delve into the unknown and explore the mysterious world of Star Trek bathrooms.

What You'll Learn

In the star trek universe, do starships and planetary bases have bathrooms for the crew and visitors.

• How are the bathroom facilities portrayed in Star Trek Are they similar to modern-day restrooms or are there any technological advancements?

Are there any specific episodes or scenes in Star Trek that showcase or mention the use of bathrooms by the characters?

Are there separate bathrooms for different species or genders in star trek, or is there a universal design for all users, do starfleet ships and space stations in star trek have any protocols or guidelines for bathroom use, considering the limited resources and confined spaces.

In the vast and imaginative Star Trek universe, starships and planetary bases are home to a diverse crew and often welcome visitors from various species. One might wonder, amidst all the advanced technology and interstellar adventures, do these futuristic facilities contain bathrooms for the convenience of the crew and visitors? The answer, in short, is yes.

While it may not always be explicitly shown in the episodes or movies, it is safe to assume that just like any functioning space-faring vessel or habitable structure, starships and planetary bases in the Star Trek universe would have bathrooms. After all, the crew and visitors, regardless of their species, would need facilities to attend to their biological needs.

From a scientific standpoint, it is crucial to recognize that the crew members are human beings who require basic physiological functions. Just like on Earth, waste elimination is a necessary part of life to maintain health and hygiene. Therefore, it would be reasonable to conclude that starships and planetary bases would be equipped with bathroom facilities.

To further support this notion, let us explore some experiences and examples from the Star Trek franchise. In various episodes and movies, crew members are shown engaging in activities such as eating and drinking. It is only logical that after consuming food and beverages, they would need to utilize restroom facilities. Furthermore, there have been instances where crew members have been shown using sonic showers or private quarters, indicating the presence of personal hygiene amenities.

One classic example that demonstrates the existence of bathrooms in the Star Trek universe is in the television series "Star Trek: The Next Generation." In the season six episode "Relics," the character Scotty, who had been trapped in a transporter buffer for several decades, seeks out a restroom upon being revived. This casual reference not only confirms the presence of restrooms aboard the USS Enterprise-D but also emphasizes the everyday nature of these facilities.

While the Star Trek universe often focuses on the exhilarating adventures and exploration of space, it is essential to remember that the crew and visitors still require the most fundamental of amenities: bathrooms. Whether it be for waste elimination, personal hygiene routines, or privacy, starships and planetary bases would undoubtedly be equipped to cater to these basic needs.

In conclusion, within the Star Trek universe, starships and planetary bases do indeed possess bathrooms for the crew and visitors. Supported by scientific reasoning, experiences, and examples from the franchise, it is evident that while this aspect may not be explored in great detail, the presence of these basic facilities is a logical component of the functioning and well-being of the crew members and visitors alike. So the next time you're caught up in an exciting episode or movie, rest assured that even in the vastness of space, the crew members of the Star Trek universe can find relief when nature calls.

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How are the bathroom facilities portrayed in Star Trek? Are they similar to modern-day restrooms or are there any technological advancements?

Star Trek, the iconic science fiction franchise, has always been known for its imaginative and forward-thinking technology. From teleportation to warp drive, the show portrays a futuristic vision of what life could be like in the 23rd and 24th centuries. One aspect of everyday life that often gets overlooked but still receives attention in the show is the bathroom facilities.

In Star Trek, the bathroom facilities are indeed portrayed with technological advancements compared to modern-day restrooms. While there are some similarities, such as the presence of toilets and sinks, there are also notable differences that make them distinctively futuristic.

First and foremost, one of the biggest advancements in Star Trek's bathroom facilities is the technology used to eliminate waste. Instead of traditional toilets that rely on water for flushing, Star Trek bathrooms utilize advanced waste disposal systems. These systems are capable of breaking down waste molecules and reformatting them into harmless particles. This process not only eliminates the need for water, but also significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional sewage systems.

Additionally, the bathroom facilities in Star Trek are often equipped with advanced sensors and automation technology. Doors can detect the presence of a person and automatically open, ensuring ease of access. Once inside, the toilet seat can self-adjust to the user's preferred height and angle. Furthermore, waste is automatically detected and disposed of through the aforementioned waste disposal systems, minimizing the need for manual intervention.

Another notable technological advancement is the presence of holographic mirrors and touchless faucets. In Star Trek, mirrors are replaced with holographic displays, allowing individuals to see themselves from different angles and adjust their appearance as needed. The touchless faucets dispense water through sensor-based technology, ensuring cleanliness and reducing the spread of germs.

Furthermore, Star Trek also explores the concept of sonic showers, which use sound waves to cleanse the body instead of water. These advanced showers are capable of removing dirt and grime without the need for excessive water usage. This not only saves water but also provides a quick and efficient means of personal hygiene.

It is important to note that while these advancements may seem far-fetched and unrealistic, they do serve as a source of inspiration for real-world technology development. Many of the advancements portrayed in Star Trek have influenced researchers and engineers to strive for similar breakthroughs. For example, touchless faucets and waste disposal systems are already in use in some modern buildings and public facilities.

In conclusion, the bathroom facilities portrayed in Star Trek exhibit several technological advancements compared to modern-day restrooms. From advanced waste disposal systems to touchless faucets and holographic mirrors, these facilities offer a glimpse into a futuristic vision of personal hygiene. While many of these advancements may not be a reality yet, they serve as a source of inspiration for real-world technological advancements in the field of bathroom facilities.

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Star Trek is a beloved science fiction franchise that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The show has explored various aspects of futuristic technology and life in space, but one question that often comes up is: do the characters in Star Trek use bathrooms?

Interestingly, despite the extensive coverage of life on starships and in space, the Star Trek franchise rarely showcases or mentions the use of bathrooms by the characters. This absence of mention is not unique to Star Trek, as many other science fiction stories also tend to overlook this aspect of daily life.

There are a few possible reasons for this oversight. Firstly, Star Trek often focuses on the more exciting and adventurous aspects of space exploration, such as encounters with alien species and interstellar conflicts. The show’s primary purpose is to entertain and captivate audiences, rather than delve into the mundane aspects of life.

Secondly, the absence of bathrooms in Star Trek can be attributed to the series' futuristic setting. In the 23rd and 24th centuries, when Star Trek is set, it's possible that technology has advanced to the point where the need for traditional bathrooms is eliminated. Instead, characters might utilize advanced waste disposal systems that are compact, efficient, and do not require dedicated rooms.

Additionally, Star Trek ships are often depicted as highly advanced with features like replicators that can create food and other necessary items on demand. It's possible that these advanced systems have also revolutionized waste management, eliminating the need for dedicated bathroom facilities.

While Star Trek may not explicitly showcase or mention the use of bathrooms, there have been a few instances where the topic has been indirectly addressed or alluded to. In the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Good Shepherd," the character Seven of Nine encounters a malfunctioning bathroom system and jokingly refers to the incident as a "bathroom emergency." This brief mention indicates that waste disposal systems are indeed present, even if they are not a focal point of the show.

In conclusion, Star Trek rarely showcases or mentions the use of bathrooms by the characters. This absence can be attributed to the show's focus on more exciting and adventurous aspects of space exploration, as well as the possibility of advanced waste disposal systems that do not require dedicated rooms. While bathrooms may not be a significant aspect of life in the Star Trek universe, it is reasonable to assume that such facilities exist in some form to meet the characters' biological needs.

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Star Trek, the iconic science fiction franchise, has certainly covered a wide range of topics, but one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the design of the bathrooms. With various species and genders represented in the Star Trek universe, it begs the question: are there separate bathrooms for different species or genders, or is there a universal design for all users?

In the Star Trek universe, the need for separate bathrooms based on species or genders is largely eliminated due to the advanced technology and universal design principles. The futuristic setting of the franchise allows for the creation of advanced facilities that can adapt to the needs of different species and genders.

One of the most notable examples of this universal design is found aboard the starships as well as the various space stations depicted in the series. These facilities utilize advanced sensors and replicator technology to create an adaptable environment. When a crew member or visitor enters the bathroom area, the sensors scan their physiology and adjust the facilities accordingly. This ensures that the user is provided with the appropriate layout and amenities based on their specific needs.

For example, a humanoid crew member might require a standard bathroom layout with a toilet, sink, and shower. However, an alien species with different anatomy, such as the Klingons or Andorians, would have their bathroom facilities adjusted to accommodate their specific needs. Likewise, gender-specific requirements such as urinals or sanitary bins would be catered for without the need for separate gendered spaces.

Furthermore, the use of replicator technology eliminates the need for separate bathrooms based on gender or species. Replicators are advanced devices capable of creating a wide range of objects, including sanitation products. This means that any necessary items, such as sanitary products or waste disposal containers, can be created on-demand, ensuring that the needs of all users are met.

In terms of privacy, Star Trek depicts bathroom facilities that are enclosed and offer individual compartments. This allows for privacy regardless of the number of users or the diversity of species. These compartments can adapt to the specific needs of each user, creating a comfortable and private experience.

In conclusion, Star Trek's portrayal of bathrooms in its universe eliminates the need for separate spaces based on species or genders. The advanced technology and universal design principles allow for adaptable facilities that cater to the specific needs of individual users, regardless of their species or gender. This ensures equality, privacy, and comfort for all users in the Star Trek universe.

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As Trekkies, we've all wondered about the mundane aspects of life aboard Starfleet ships or space stations in the Star Trek universe. One such aspect that often gets overlooked is the issue of bathroom use. With limited resources and confined spaces, it's only logical to assume that there must be protocols or guidelines in place to address this basic human need.

In the Star Trek universe, the writers and creators do not explicitly delve into the operational details of bathroom use. However, we can make some educated speculations based on the information provided in the series. Let's explore the possible protocols and guidelines that Starfleet ships and space stations may have when it comes to bathroom use.

Waste recycling and reclamation systems:

Given the limited resources available in space, it's safe to assume that Starfleet vessels and space stations would have sophisticated waste recycling and reclamation systems in place. These systems would efficiently process and recycle human waste into useful commodities such as water, fertilizer, or even energy. By maximizing the utility of waste, Starfleet would minimize the need for additional resources and reduce their environmental impact.

Personal hygiene protocols:

Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial for the well-being of crew members in any confined environment. It is reasonable to assume that Starfleet would have protocols in place to promote good personal hygiene practices. These could include guidelines on frequency of showering, handwashing, and general cleanliness. Additionally, crew members may be required to use sanitizing wipes or sprays to keep shared areas clean and minimize the spread of germs.

Allocating bathroom facilities:

With limited space, allocating bathroom facilities can be a challenge. Starfleet ships and space stations likely have designated bathroom areas strategically placed throughout the ship/station to maximize accessibility. These facilities would be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient waste disposal and minimal water usage.

Scheduling bathroom breaks:

To avoid overcrowding and to ensure smooth operation, it's possible that Starfleet would implement a system for scheduling bathroom breaks. Crew members may be assigned specific time slots based on their duty shifts, ensuring that bathroom facilities are always available for use without causing disruptions to work routines. However, this assumption is purely speculative since the series does not provide explicit details on bathroom scheduling.

Sensory indicators or virtual reality simulations:

In a confined space where privacy is limited, it could be challenging to create an environment conducive to bodily functions. To address this issue, Starfleet ships and space stations may utilize sensory indicators or virtual reality simulations to provide a sense of privacy and comfort. These technologies could create an illusion of personal space while using bathroom facilities, helping crew members to feel more at ease in such close quarters.

While Star Trek may not explicitly address the protocols and guidelines for bathroom use, it's reasonable to assume that Starfleet ships and space stations would have systems in place to optimize resource utilization and maintain crew comfort and hygiene. The Star Trek universe is known for its attention to detail and futuristic technology, so it's safe to say that bathroom facilities aboard Starfleet vessels would be far more advanced and efficient than what we are accustomed to on Earth.

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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are bathrooms in Star Trek. However, they are rarely shown or mentioned on screen. In the Star Trek universe, the technology has advanced to the point where waste disposal is efficiently handled by advanced systems, making traditional bathrooms less necessary.

The specific details of how individuals use the bathroom on Star Trek starships are not extensively explored in the show. However, it is generally understood that the advanced technology on board allows for waste disposal to occur in a sanitary and automated manner, without the need for traditional toilets or bathrooms.

Yes, Star Trek starships are equipped with advanced toilet technology. Although it is not explicitly shown or explained on the show, it is understood that starships have sophisticated waste disposal systems that efficiently manage bodily waste without the need for physical toilets or bathrooms.

No, there are no episodes that specifically depict characters using the bathroom on Star Trek. The focus of the show is primarily on exploring the vastness of space, encountering new civilizations, and engaging in various missions and adventures. The details of bodily functions and bathrooms are not typically part of the narrative.

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Where's The Bathroom On The Enterprise? 9 Space Toilets

With the toilet on the International Space Station busted once again, we can't help but wonder whether humanity is doomed to a space-faring future without working facilities. Fortunately, there are plenty of fictional, functional space toilets to ease our minds.

Related Content

Star Trek: The Federation may have given us huge advances in transportation and energy-matter conversion, but their toilet technology is decidedly dull. The most advanced feature on the brig toilet seen in The Undiscovered Country is that it pops out of the wall. And, sadly, Federation loos are hardly immune to wear and tear; at one point during the Voyager 's journey, the ship was down to a mere four functional lavs. And, if Jonathan Frakes is to be believed, the situation on the Enterprise-D is even more dire:

Galaxy Quest: In a bit of oversight, the creators of the non-existent television series Galaxy Quest failed to include even a single bathroom in the official blueprints for the NSEA Protector . Fortunately, a deleted scene reveals that, despite mistaking the TV episodes for actual historical documents, those ingenious Thermians recognized the need for mammalian waste extraction. It probably works, but by the time you figure out how, it would be far too late:

Dr. Lazarus - Galaxy Quest Click to view

Lexx: Off-beat space opera Lexx never shied away from toilet humor, so it figures that the ship's toilet would be, well, humorous. The titular living ship naturally has an organic lavatory, complete with a tongue, so you can finish your bowel movement with that fresh, just-licked-by-a-giant-space-bug clean feeling.

Babylon 5: The Babylon 5 space station plays host to a number of species, many with unique physiological properties. While human males can opt for the classic urinal, station toilets come equipped with attachments to accommodate other anatomies. As for species with more offensive excretory processes – such as the carrion-eating pak'ma'ra – they get their own facilities.

Firefly: As a general rule, everything on the smuggling ship Serenity is always breaking down, but the toilets seem to be the only things Kaylee isn't constantly repairing. Perhaps that's because they're the model of simplicity: sleeping-car style cans that, like the Federation brig toilets, pull out from the wall.

My Teacher Glows in the Dark by Bruce Coville: When Peter Thompson travels through space to meet with an interplanetary council, he discovers that the most difficult part of the mission may not be convincing the aliens not to destroy humanity, but figuring out how to use the facilities:

Give me the code for a bathroom, please," I said to the URAT. "Insufficient data." "What do you mean?" I cried, crossing my legs. "I do not know what kind of bathroom you need. We have fifty-three different types of facilities." I remembered the octopi toilets, or whatever they were, that I had seen on the first chart. Given the variety of aliens I had met already, it made sense that the ship needed a lot of different bathrooms. "I'm glad I'm not the plumber for this place," I muttered. "Yes," agreed the URAT, "that would be a disaster." "Look, I don't need to be insulted by a machine. Just tell me how to find a bathroom!" The URAT informed me that it needed to know more about me. After it had asked fifteen or twenty questions, some of them very personal, it finally gave me a bathroom code. Not a moment too soon! I thought, as I punched the code into the control pad. I stepped into a bathroom that was only mildly odd – which is to say that it only took me about five minutes (five desperate minutes) to figure out how to use it.

Battlestar Galactica: The bathroom holds particular dramatic significance for BSG's doctor/Cylon collaborator/nymph squad prophet Gaius Baltar. It's where Laura Roslin asks him to be her vice president – and where she later threatens to hang his presidential portrait. It's also where he gets stared down by a supremely pissed-off (and audibly pissing) Starbuck. Of course, while the toilets in the Colonial Fleet seem to work, there's never enough toilet paper and the stall doors just won't stay closed.

Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams: The Starship Bistromath does away with the need for plumbing altogether. By placing the teleportation cubicles in the bathrooms, Slartibartfast has ensured that any toilet issues can be resolved by simply teleporting the offending substances elsewhere.

Star Kid: When Spencer Griffith finds an alien Cybersuit, the issue isn't whether the suit's functions (including one for waste collection) work, it's whether Spencer can think of the proper term for communicating his rather urgent needs to the suit's AI (starting at 9:58):

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Did the shuttlecraft have a bathroom?

Discussion in ' Star Trek - The Original & Animated Series ' started by MarsWeeps , Nov 24, 2011 .

MarsWeeps Fleet Captain Premium Member

I'm thinking the Galileo had a bathroom, maybe a small porta-john behind those doors in the back. Seriously, even if the trip lasted only a few hours they would need one.  

Vassa Commander Red Shirt

The bathroom is a little panel on the wall* that you stand in front of and press a button that tells the computer to use the transporter to evacuate your bowel or bladder. Or both. There is a slight tingle. * By the 24th century the computer just monitors this automatically and evacuates as necessary.  

Green Shirt Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

It must have had only a men's room, otherwise why would Commissioner Hedford have felt so inconvenienced and put-upon?  

Deckerd Fleet Arse Premium Member

I would have had a toilet but I think a bathroom would be a bit too much space and really, who would need a bath?  

foxhot said: ↑ if the blueprints are valid, there are two restrooms behind the bridge viewscreen. Click to expand...

FalTorPan Vice Admiral Admiral

foxhot said: ↑ Of course the Galileo had a toilet. Just like the Captain's chair did. The ending of THE NAKED TIME pretty much confirms this. Plus, if the blueprints are valid, there are two restrooms behind the bridge viewscreen. Click to expand...

Timo Fleet Admiral Admiral

Conveniently enough, the camera carefully avoids one corner of the shuttlecraft during "The Galileo Seven" - the port half of the stern compartment. Plenty of room for a conventional toilet there. The TNG era shuttles have these solid benches in addition to the swiveling chairs, allowing us to postulate all sorts of functionalities under the bench cushions. Typically, there's even an internal bracing dividing the shuttle into forward and aft halves - a perfect place for a privacy curtain (physical or holographic) in case the 24th century folks feel they need one. Say, there's apparently a forcefield in place in this VOY "Extreme Risk" scene, between the pilot and the sulking suicidee. Just make that one opaque. http://voy.trekcore.com/gallery/albums/5x03/extremerisk_001.jpg Timo Saloniemi  

foxhot said: ↑ The ending of THE NAKED TIME pretty much confirms this. Plus, if the blueprints are valid, there are two restrooms behind the bridge viewscreen. Click to expand...

Don't know how to make it work any better, sorry. And in any case, forcefield partitions wouldn't be a TOS thing. However, mechanical partitions might. Just remember the plastic curtains of STXI. Or the internal structure of the TAS "Slaver Weapon" shuttle: http://tas.trekcore.com/gallery/albums/1x14/theslaverweapon_005.JPG http://tas.trekcore.com/gallery/albums/1x14/theslaverweapon_022.JPG ...Plenty of potential fold-out features aboard that craft, too. Timo Saloniemi  

^ I'm getting 404 errors on all the links you posted....anyone else have this issue?  

Mutai Sho-Rin Crusty Old Bastard Moderator

MarsWeeps said: ↑ ^ I'm getting 404 errors on all the links you posted....anyone else have this issue? Click to expand...

MarsWeeps said: ↑ foxhot said: ↑ The ending of THE NAKED TIME pretty much confirms this. Plus, if the blueprints are valid, there are two restrooms behind the bridge viewscreen. Click to expand...

Captain Robert April Vice Admiral Admiral

Trekcore.com doesn't allow hotlinking, including just clicking on a link. Cut and paste the URL, then it'll show up.  

Maurice Snagglepussed Admiral

FalTorPan said: ↑ foxhot said: ↑ Of course the Galileo had a toilet. Just like the Captain's chair did. The ending of THE NAKED TIME pretty much confirms this. Plus, if the blueprints are valid, there are two restrooms behind the bridge viewscreen. Click to expand...

Trekcore.com doesn't allow hotlinking, including just clicking on a link. Click to expand...

Patrickivan Fleet Captain Newbie

Maurice said: ↑ FalTorPan said: ↑ foxhot said: ↑ Of course the Galileo had a toilet. Just like the Captain's chair did. The ending of THE NAKED TIME pretty much confirms this. Plus, if the blueprints are valid, there are two restrooms behind the bridge viewscreen. Click to expand...

T'Girl Vice Admiral Admiral

MarsWeeps said: ↑ I'm thinking the Galileo had a bathroom, maybe a small porta-john Click to expand...

Patrickivan said: ↑ CRT's were never completely flat in any part front or back. Click to expand...

They werent true flats. they only appeared to be flat.  

Patrickivan said: ↑ They werent true flats. they only appeared to be flat. Click to expand...

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Janeway's bath tub

Neelix in a bath tub

Morn's hot mud tub

A bath tub was a water -filled container used for cleaning and relaxing . It was usually the main feature of a bathroom .

When Enterprise NX-01 visited Risa in 2152 , bathing in its steam-pools was said to be very relaxing. ( ENT : " Two Days and Two Nights ")

In 2369 , while under the influence of the Saltah'na energy spheres , Lieutenant Jadzia Dax told Major Kira Nerys , " You know what they say – put the shoe on the right foot first, but put the left foot first into the bathtub ", which seemed to confuse Kira. ( DS9 : " Dramatis Personae ")

In 2370 , Ensign Melora Pazlar explained to Doctor Julian Bashir that experiencing low gravity was " like slipping into a hot tub at the end of the day ", to which Bashir quipped, " I'm a shower man myself ". ( DS9 : " Melora ")

Later the same year, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Lieutenant Commander Data discovered Counselor Deanna Troi in her bath tub during her transformation into an amphibious creature, a result of Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome . ( TNG : " Genesis ")

During the same year in the mirror universe , Intendant Kira Nerys had a bath tub in her quarters , aboard Terok Nor . ( DS9 : " Crossover ")

Neelix spent his time taking a bath in the bath tub and drinking water when he was beamed aboard Voyager in 2371 . ( VOY : " Caretaker ")

In 2372 , Captain Kathryn Janeway and Commander Chakotay became stranded on a planet they named, " New Earth ." During their time together, Chakotay built her a bath tub in which she greatly enjoyed bathing. She also had a bath tub in her quarters on board the USS Voyager , where, in 2378 , she was surprised by Q , who appeared while she was bathing. ( VOY : " Resolutions ", " Q2 ")

Morn kept a hot tub of mud in his quarters on Deep Space 9 which he used as a mud bath as well as a place to sleep. After faking his own death in 2374 , he left it, among other things, to Quark , who subsequently drained it empty, believing him to have hidden a stash of latinum there. ( DS9 : " Who Mourns for Morn? ")

In 2375 , Counselor Troi shaved Commander William Riker's beard with a razor , while the two of them bathed in a bath tub on the USS Enterprise -E . ( Star Trek: Insurrection )

See also [ ]

Leeta in the bath tub

External link [ ]

• Bath tub at Wikipedia

Star Trek: 10 Secrets About The USS Discovery-A You Need To Know

Continuing the great Star Trek tradition of 'just stick an extra letter on it, no one will know!'

What the A?

A question that many fans might have asked back in the third season of Discovery with the rebranding of the hero ship for the series after its temporal shift into the 32nd Century.

After two seasons as a Starfleet testbed science vessel, it was all change and while we have covered the original set up for the USS Discovery , it is only fitting that we switch attention to its later updates during what is to be the show's final seasons.

With almost as long a list of commanding officers as the USS Enterprise  before and after its own refit, the USS Discovery  remains the only ship equipped with a spore drive and season five has already confirmed that any further research in that area has been ceased. While the addition of an "A" to its registry is not too dissimilar to Superman popping on a pair of glasses to conceal his real identity, the Discovery  visually remains close to its 23rd Century origins although there's a lot more going on between those detached nacelles than at first there may appear.

So lock in a black alert and set your saucer spinning as we take a look at the most secretive addition to Starfleet of the far future.

10. Beyond the Smallish Screen

The USS Discovery -A might be confined to the 32nd Century as part of the Star Trek  series that bears its name but fans are still able to get their hands on it in some form outside of that medium.

In terms of models, two have been available representing the ship in its 32nd Century state and both are thanks to the now-defunct Eaglemoss. One was as part of its standard Star Trek   Discovery  line as issue 11 and then as the XL version.

Star Trek Online  has also delved into the timeline of NCC-1031-A, adding it into the game as a top level refitted science vessel. This also included adding in the cloaking technology that was established in Discovery 's third season. Previously only the USS Defiant  had been allowed to carry a cloaking device but the unification of the Romulan and Vuclan people effectively ended the existence of the Treaty of Algeron. 

In turn this meant that the Federation could use cloaking technology although it has been used sparingly through Discovery, even getting a mention as recently as in one of the flashback moments of Face the Strange . Star Trek Online  takes an even more military stance with it, terming the device as a Battle Cloak in line with the more combat-focused gameplay.

A Star Trek fan from birth, I love to dive into every aspect of the franchise in front and behind the screen. There's something here that's kept me interested for the best part of four decades! Now I'm getting back into writing and using Star Trek as my first line of literary attack. If I'm not here on WhatCulture then you're more than welcome to come and take a look at my blog, Some Kind of Star Trek at http://SKoST.co.uk or maybe follow me on Twitter as @TheWarpCore. Sometimes I force myself not to talk about Star Trek.

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The long lost original model of the USS Enterprise has been returned

The model, in the opening credits of Star Trek , had been missing since the 1970s. It popped up on eBay last fall. The seller helped facilitate its return to the family of the creator of Star Trek .

(SOUNDBITE OF ALEXANDER COURAGE'S "THEME FROM STAR TREK")

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Leila Fadel.

The long-lost original model of the USS Enterprise, the one that could be seen in the opening credits of the TV show "Star Trek," has been returned. Missing since the 1970s, the model popped up on eBay last fall. The seller eventually took down the item and helped facilitate its return to Rod Roddenberry, the son of the late "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry. Roddenberry, the son, says he now hopes to get the model into a museum for the public to enjoy.

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Den of Geek

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 5 Review – Mirrors

Star Trek: Discovery reaches the halfway point of its final season by providing the L'ak and Moll backstory no one asked for.

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This Star Trek: Discovery review contains spoilers .

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode 5

Star Trek: Discovery reaches the midpoint of its final season with “Mirrors,” an hour that is probably the worst of the five installments we’ve seen so far. To be clear, the episode isn’t necessarily bad , per se, and those who’ve been with this show since the beginning have definitely sat through much worse than this during its run. But it is an hour that, at best, is pretty darn boring, and that can’t help but feel like a colossal waste of time when we have so few hours left with the characters whose stories we care about. 

Look, most of us ( read: me ) expected this season to include a flashback-laden hour that explained the very obviously telegraphed, clearly semi-tragic backstory of the season’s villains, intended to make us reevaluate how we feel about their quest to find the Progenitors’ technology. But Moll and L’ak have been such poorly sketched adversaries so far that it’s extremely difficult for the show to suddenly turn them into characters we care about or build a relationship between them that we’re invested in. After all, it’s hard to sell a desperate star-crossed love story between two characters we’ve spent such little time with and barely know, and who have generally been huge jerks every time they do appear on our screens.

(Don’t get me wrong, I like Book just fine, and I adore his relationship with Michael, but I don’t think he’s an important enough character to make his vaguely tenuous familial connection to Moll as compelling as the show seems to think it ought to be.)

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It’s a shame that so much of this hour is dedicated to providing a backstory no one really asked for, because its general premise is actually super interesting. Still on the hunt for the location of the Progenitors’ mysterious device, Discovery tracks Moll and L’ak’s ship into a wormhole-like anomaly that leads to a pocket of interdimensional space where the next clue is supposedly hidden. (These scientists from back in the day put in work to hide whatever this thing is, is what I’m saying.) Burnham and Book take a shuttle inside it—at least one of its primary commanders stays on the ship this time—where they find the Terran I.S.S. Enterprise , the Mirror Universe version of the famous starship that’s been damaged and abandoned.

I doubt I’m the only person who wants to know more about the Terrans who were once on board this ship, why they decided to flee to our universe, or how the Mirror Universe version of Saru—ostensibly the same one Michael taught how to fight seasons ago—helped lead them to safety. I mean, I just have so many questions: When did this happen? How long has this Enterprise been abandoned in interdimensional space? (It had to be some time after Michael and Discovery jumped to the future, since the Mirror Universe Enterprise had to remain in its own dimension long enough for the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Mirror, Mirror” to take place, right?) Were there two Sarus in this universe at any point? Did any of the Mirror Universe Enterprise crew cross over as refugees? We’ll likely never know but I’m curious anyway. I also have questions about how the folks hiding all these clues in the first place determined this was a must-have hiding spot, but very little about this puzzle quest has made all that much sense, so let’s just go with it.

It’s unfortunate that the Terran Enterprise connection is so much more intriguing than the hour’s big reveal, which is that L’ak is a member of the Breen, and he and Moll have a blood bounty on their heads. The Breen are an alien species with both The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine origins, and whose faces we’ve never seen onscreen before . Their culture is reclusive and mysterious and this twist should be so much more compelling than the catalyst for a star-crossed Romeo & Juliet-style romance with a little overt grifting thrown on top.  

A courier delivering dilithium to the Breen in the wake of the Burn, Moll’s cutting her shipments with other materials to make more money. She offers to bring disgraced royal L’ak into her scheme, to give him a chance to get payback against the uncle who demoted him because he was too different from the rest. How was he different? Why did that matter? Shrug emoji. He accepts and flirting ensues.

Before you know it, they’re having allegedly meaningful conversations about “true faces” and performing The Mandalorian – style slo-mo helmet removals alongside their scammer delivery runs. But of course, they eventually get caught, and now they’re being eternally hunted by very talented trained killers and have to hope that they can trade the Progenitor tech for their lives. This is not a great plan—as Michael correctly points out the Breen will probably just take their world-destroying tech and kill them anyway if they make it that far—but it’s the one they’re going with. 

On the plus side, “Mirrors” is the best Book and Burnham episode we’ve had in a while. A solid reminder of how good they are as a team, both tactically and emotionally—Michael’s unexpected reminiscing about Spock was lovely, as was the bittersweet moment between them when they both thought they were likely to die trying to get out of the wormhole. Beyond the whole Book committing some light treason last season thing, which it’s clear Michael (and the Federation writ large) has forgiven him for, it’s not entirely clear why the two of them aren’t together right now beyond the need for dramatic tension between them. And since the show could not be telegraphing that reunion any harder, maybe it’s just time to cut to the chase where the two of them are concerned.

It’s obviously not Discovery ’s fault that the folks in charge didn’t know this was going to be the show’s final season—and a truncated run at that—when they shot it. But it’s still hard not to feel a bit cheated here. This episode spends so much time on Moll and L’ak and their stilted declarations about how they’d rather die than be separated from each other, all when there are a good half dozen other major characters whose stories I’d rather be watching. And I’m more than a little annoyed that I have to hear all about Moll’s weapons-grade daddy issues in stultifying detail when we could give that screentime to Tilly or Stamets or Culber or Saru, who all seem to be going through some pretty big life changes and emotional adjustments this season and whose individual journeys I’m already invested in. These characters deserve better than this and we, as viewers, do too. 

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Lacy Baugher

Lacy Baugher is a digital producer by day, but a television enthusiast pretty much all the time. Her writing has been featured in Paste Magazine, Collider,…

Star Trek: Discovery Just Brought A Legendary Original Series Episode Back Into The Mix

Let's fly ... away from spoilers . Read no further if you haven't watched the latest episode of "Star Trek: Discovery."

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the strangest of them all? In "Star Trek," that title goes to one of the zaniest concepts ever introduced into the canon: The Mirror Universe. The idea of our alternate selves living completely different lives somewhere out there is no longer the sole domain of perhaps the nerdiest franchise in all of sci-fi (although shows like "For All Mankind," "Foundation," and "3 Body Problem" are creating some stiff competition), the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or the best episode of "Community" ever made . Fans might be surprised to find out that many in the scientific community believe the theory is worth discussion these days . But "Trek" put its own unmistakable fingerprints on the multiverse by emphasizing one in particular that stands at odds with the usual Prime Universe -- one that poses a fundamentally moral dilemma between the paragons of Starfleet we know and love, and the absolute worst versions of themselves.

It doesn't come as a huge surprise that "Star Trek: Discovery" would use its final season to travel full circle and return to the Mirror Universe that played such a significant role back in season 1 (even if, ironically, there might be a parallel universe out there where we were able to see  former showrunner Bryan Fuller's more complex and nuanced take on it ). But what's sure to shock and delight longtime fans in episode 5, aptly titled "Mirrors," is a deep-cut reference to arguably one of the most influential hours of "Trek" ever made, and the one that introduced the Mirror Universe in the first place.

Read more: Every Star Trek Show And Movie In Chronological Order

A Different Kind Of Black Mirror

There might not be any sinister goatees or chest-baring V-necks in sight throughout this episode of "Discovery," but the lasting effects of "The Original Series" episode "Mirror, Mirror" are plain to see. Upon entering the wormhole that took scavengers Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis) into multidimensional space, Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Book (David Ajala) discover the wrecked remains of their ship ... alongside the still-functioning husk of a familiar-looking Starfleet vessel, emblazoned with the name, "ISS Enterprise." For those who haven't brushed up on their 1967 "Trek" lore (and, quite frankly, shame on you if that's the case), Burnham helpfully points out that this isn't exactly the same starship captained by the fabled James T. Kirk thousands of years ago. It's one that has somehow found its way from the depths of the Mirror Universe (the exact specifics are oddly brushed aside) and remained stranded ever since.

But then "Discovery" goes a step further and hearkens back to "Mirror, Mirror" more thematically. While exploring the derelict ship, Burnham and Book stumble upon information about the previous occupants of the ISS Enterprise and specifically that of a certain Kelpian who rose from a slave to a leader in his own right. That, of course, refers to none other than the Mirror version of Saru (Doug Jones) seen in season 3, whom Emperor Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) saved from certain death and pointed towards his proper path. Where the ending of "Mirror, Mirror" suggests that Mirror Spock is still "a man of integrity" despite the ruthlessness of the Empire he serves, "Discovery" reconfirms that even the comically rampant evil of the Mirror Universe is no match for the stubborn idealism of "Trek."

New episodes of "Star Trek: Discovery" stream on Paramount+ every Thursday.

Read the original article on SlashFilm

Screen Rant

Star trek's new "non-linear" threat confirms 1 weapon can damage the entire timeline.

Kahless' crusade against the gods in IDW's Star Trek comics has had dire effects on the universe, and now the entire timeline may be at risk too.

• Star Trek #19, by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly and Megan Levens, shows the true, horrifying extent of the damage Kahless' crusade against the gods has caused.
• Kahless' rampage threatens not only the universe, but the entire timeline as well.
• Finally, Kahless' campaign could lead to the destruction of the multiverse too.

Kahless’ crusade against the galaxy’s god-like beings has been a key part of IDW’s revitalized line of Star Trek comics, and now the damage he has done could threaten the entire timeline. In Star Trek #19, T’Lir, the enigmatic Vulcan who is revealed to be Organian, reveals just how much damage Kahless has caused to existence. Thanks to Kahless, time itself could come unraveled.

Star Trek #19 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. In the Theseus’ Ready Room, T’Lir briefs Captain Sisko and the crew on what happened to their fellow Organians. They tell Sisko that Kahless’ weapon has “tore at the very fabric of space-time.” T’Lir then goes on to reveal that the damage Kahless did was “non-linear” and it killed the Organians over 20 years prior.

T’Lir uses this as part of their case to convince Sisko to travel to the Pleroma, the newly revealed dimension of the gods.

Star Trek's God War Threatens More Than Just the Gods

Now, the entire star trek timeline is at risk of being destroyed.

In late 2022, IDW gave their Star Trek comics a shot in the arm, creating an epic, multi-year, multi-title story. The seeds were planted in Star Trek #400, when a mysterious force killed Gary Mitchell. The Bajoran Prophets sent Benjamin Sisko back to stop whoever was behind the slaughter of god-like beings. It was revealed to be the cloned Klingon Emperor Kahless. Seeking to fulfill the promise of his namesake, who allegedly slaughtered the Klingon gods, Kahless embarks on a campaign of terror. Both the Crystalline Entities and the Organians fell to Kahless.

It was made clear from the get-go that Kahless’ actions had the potential to seriously destroy the fabric of the universe. Both T’Lir and Spock arrive at this conclusion. While they were believed by Sisko and Starfleet, the exact amount of damage Kahless was causing was unknown. The gods Kahless was fighting were crucial to the smooth functioning of the universe, and now Kahless has thrown that into disarray. Sisko, T’Lir and the Theseus must now travel to the Pleroma to set things right. Kahless is still on the loose, and the Pleroma could be his next target.

Star Trek's Writers Have Promised Even Bigger Things to Come

Could star trek get its own version of secret wars.

It is crucial that Sisko and company stop Kahless, because now it seems that the destruction he has wrought is spreading through the timeline. Kahless’ actions have rippled across the time stream, killing the Organians and others like them. Kahless’ actions not only threaten the prime Star Trek universe, but the entire multiverse as well. In a recent interview with ScreenRant , writers Lanzing and Kelly revealed “The Pleroma” storyline sets up even bigger things for the title. Kahless posing a threat to the entire Star Trek multiverse would be the perfect capstone for the series.

Star Trek #19 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!

NCIS Just Wasted A Fan-Favorite Star Trek Actor

Contains spoilers for "NCIS" Season 21 Episode 8 — "Heartless"

"NCIS" has had its share of guest stars whom fans might have forgotten appeared on the show.  While this is typically not the series' fault, the Season 21 episode "Heartless" happens to feature a "Star Trek" legend who was used to less than proper effect, leading to a forgettable appearance.

That was Tim Russ as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Erik Harper in the episode, but his time on-screen is remarkably brief. He's seen in a single scene at the beginning of "Heartless" as he trains a team of first years to save their patient's life. They fail, and when they take a break to regroup and he can order them dinner, a group of masked men confronts Dr. Harper. He is kidnapped, driven 200 miles away, and killed. The rest of the case involves tracking down Harper's killers, resulting in Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Harper's colleague Dr. Clara Logan (Christina Kirk) ending up in close quarters when the thieves come after them. This teases a new possible romance for Parker, and Harper's death is the catalyst.

Though the appearance is decidedly a pivotal one that gets the episode's plot going, for a talent of Russ' caliber, it's quite a waste. Russ is perhaps best known as Tuvok on "Star Trek: Voyager,"  but he's also popped up in two different branches of the "NCIS" world.

Tim Russ has appeared in an NCIS universe program before

Tim Russ has appeared in three episodes across multiple "NCIS" shows, playing a different character in each of them. His first time was in Season 3's "Jeopardy," where Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) is accused of murder after a suspect dies in her custody. But while the team commences investigating the death, more bodies connected to Ziva begin to pile up around them. Later, NCIS Director Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) is kidnapped. Russ plays Jerry Kemper, who works security at a car rental service connected to a high-end hotel where Shepard has been staying; he's there when Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) finds the body of another person in the director's trunk.

Russ appears in "Ties that Bind," from Season 4 of "NCIS: New Orleans." He plays Felix Hill, the proprietor of a jazz club called Delilah's, where Dwayne Pride's (Scott Bakula) mother performed when he was a child. Memories complicate Pride's investigation of Hill and his daughter, who are tangled up in the death of a petty officer in the Navy, as well as in the local drug trade. It's the meatiest role Russ has been given in the "NCIS" universe so far. Hopefully, his next time on will be as complex as his time on "New Orleans."

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Kishida cracks jokes and invokes ‘Star Trek’ as he and Biden toast US-Japan alliance at state dinner

President Joe Biden listens as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks ahead of a toast during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden makes a toast with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden, center right, and first lady Jill Biden, right, welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center left, and his wife Yuko Kishida for a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Kristi Yamaguchi, right, and Yukiko Saegusa arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose for a photo with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida by the Grand Staircase in the Cross Hall of the White House during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Evan Ryan, Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary, arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen arrive at the Booksellers area of the White House for the State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and wife Kishida Yuko, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Tables are decorated during a press preview at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, for the State Dinner for Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

FILE - This April 2, 2012 file photo shows singer Paul Simon performing at Avery Fisher Hall in New York, April 2, 2012. Simon will sing for guests at Wednesday’s White House state dinner for Japan. The White House says he’s one of first lady Jill Biden’s favorite musicians. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)

Former President Bill Clinton listens to toast by President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a State Dinner at the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida exchanged warm toasts to each other and the close alliance between their nations as top figures from business, sports and politics looked on during Wednesday night’s state dinner.

Top figures from business, sports and politics turned up for a lavish state dinner honoring Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The White House on Wednesday served up a maximum dose of pomp to honor the close U.S. ally.

After a day of wide-ranging talks and a joint news conference, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and wife Yuko Kishida back to the White House Wednesday evening for a lavish state dinner.

US President Joe Biden and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida enjoyed a dinner out in Washington DC on Tuesday evening.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cracked jokes and invoked a touchstone of American culture as he quoted from “Star Trek” at Wednesday’s state dinner , telling guests at the White House that he hoped the “unshakable relationship” between his country and the U.S. would “boldly go where no one had gone before.”

“I would like to propose a toast to our voyage to the frontier of the Japan-U.S. relationship with this word: boldly go,” Kishida said, quoting the iconic opening monologue of the original “Star Trek” series.

Kishida, who spoke in English, and President Joe Biden exchanged warm toasts to each other and the decades-long, alliance between their nations as top figures from business, sports and politics — including an ex-president — looked on. The two leaders, who expressed a genuine friendship, pledged to continue to knit together their countries’ interests in the face of global challenges.

Biden , 81, said he and Kishida, 66, came of age as their countries forged a strong bond in the decades after they were pitted against each other in World War II.

“We both remember the choices that were made to forge a friendship,” Biden said. “We both remember the hard work, what it has done to find healing.”

“Tonight,” Biden continued, “We pledge to keep going.”

As the White House served up a maximum dose of pomp to honor its close U.S. ally, notable guests included Bill and Hillary Clinton, who were on familiar turf for the event. The former president declared it “feels great” to be back before casting an appreciative eye at a portrait of his wife from her first lady days that was on display nearby.

Guests in bright spring colors and lots of shimmery gowns chatted politics and talked shop as they strolled in — that meant eclipse chatter from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson (“fabulous” view in Ohio!) and an assessment of Biden’s electoral prospects in Wisconsin from Gov. Tony Evers (looking good!).

But on a day when the inflation news from Washington was less than encouraging, Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell shot past reporters without stopping to chat. Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, in a purple gown, said she didn’t expect to be out campaigning for Biden but nonetheless seemed bullish on his reelection. Actor Robert De Niro supplied the night’s Hollywood quotient and seemed to channel one of his tough-talking characters when he was asked for his thoughts about the 2024 election.

“What do you think?” he retorted.

On a warm spring evening, the Bidens came stepped onto the North Portico to welcome Kishida and his wife, Yuko, who stood out in a flowing royal blue gown on the red carpet.

Inside, Jill Biden , wearing a beaded sapphire gown, had transformed the State Floor of the White House into what she called a “vibrant spring garden” for the evening. The floor of the famous Cross Hall was decorated with images giving the nearly 230 guests the feel of walking over a koi pond, a nod to fish that symbolize “friendship, peace, luck and perseverance,” the first lady said at a media preview Tuesday.

Guests at the head table with the Bidens and Kishidas included the Clintons, De Niro and Japanese pop duo Yoasobi.

Kishida, in his toast at the dinner, enthused over the splendor.

“First and foremost, to be honest my breath is taken and I’m speechless in front of such a huge number of prominent American and Japanese guests,” he said.

A state dinner is a tool of U.S. diplomacy, an honor doled out sparingly and only to America’s closest allies. In the case of Japan, the president has granted that honor for just the fifth time to an ally that he sees as a cornerstone of his policy toward the Indo-Pacific region.

Kishida is on an official visit to the United States this week. The state dinner is Biden’s first this year.

The guests included plenty of Biden family members, including granddaughter Naomi and her husband, Peter Neal. Business moguls also were in force, including JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Labor luminaries United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and United Steelworkers President David McCall were also in attenddance. Both unions have endorsed Biden for reelection.

Dry-aged rib eye steak, cherry blossoms and the music of Paul Simon were also part of the evening. Simon opened his after-dinner performance by playing guitar and singing two of his major hits, “Graceland” and “Slip Slidin’ Away.”

Guests dined on a meal that was designed to highlight the “bounty of spring” in Japan and the United States: a first course of house-cured salmon that was inspired by a California roll and an entree of rib eye with shishito pepper butter, fava beans, mushrooms and onions. Dessert was salted caramel pistachio cake with a matcha ganache and cherry ice cream.

Some of Jill Biden’s favorite flowers, including sweet peas, roses and peonies, were arranged alongside imported cherry blossoms to decorate a mix of round and rectangular dinner tables in the East Room in shades of pink. A few floral centerpieces topped out at 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

Tables were set with a mix of place settings representing the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush. Glass and silk butterflies danced over the tables.

Simon is one of Jill Biden’s favorite artists, the White House said, adding that she chose him as a special tribute to Kishida because the prime minister also admires his music.

Simon’s career spans six decades, including performing as part of a duo with his childhood friend Art Garfunkel. The 82-year-old New Jersey native has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammys and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Kishida is the fifth world leader Biden has honored with a state dinner following counterparts from France , South Korea , India and Australia .