The public is invited to attend all events. Unless otherwise stated, there is no charge for admission. Dates and times are subject to change, and some events are weather contingent. Call the Black Ships Festival Office, 28 Pelham St., Newport, RI 02840, (401) 846-2720. Tickets also available at the Gateway Center, Music Box, and MWR Ticket Connection.
Please Check Daily For Schedule Updates & Additions
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Sailing, Sake & Sushi I
4:00PM to 6:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA
Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships, the 101' schooner Aurora.
View Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi. Space
is limited to 78 people. A sellout every year! Sponsored by IDC, The Newport
Experience. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event (if
available). For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
Japanese Tea Tasting
5:00PM to 6:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts. (401) 845-8327.
Navy Band Northeast Salutes Black Ships
6:00PM • BRICK MARKET
The band will be sure entertainment as they play a wide variety of music such as; marches, swing, big band jazz and patriotic music. (Weather Permitting)
Open House at Newport Aikido
999 WEST MAIN RD. MIDDLETOWN, RI
7:15PM to 8:45PM
Open house featuring an advanced training session.
Friday, July 17
Festival Opening Ceremonies
10:30AM • TOURO PARK, BELLEVUE AVENUE
Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Newport's native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying at Commodore Perry's statue and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Navy color guard and band . Newport Artillery Co. will fire cannon salutes.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
2:00PM to 3:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Meet huge, powerful athlete, Manny Yarbrough. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Explore the World of Sake
4:30PM to 6:30PM • BELLEVUE WINE & SPIRITS, 181 BELLEVUE AVE, NEWPORT
Sake Tasting! Discover the history and culture of this unique drink. Sake is a significant part of the Japanese culture in many ways, it is used to celebrate special occasions and historic moments. Sample several types of premier specialty sake from Gekkeikan. Relax and enjoy discovering the secrets of the world's finest sake!
Sushi Demonstrations with Sushi-Go
5:00PM • SUSHI-GO AT BRICK MARKET
Informative demonstration on the history and preparation of sushi. "2005 Winner RI Monthly's Best of RI"
Governors' Black Ships Festival Gala
6:30PM • ROSECLIFF, BELLEVUE AVE, NEWPORT, RI
Celebrate the 26th Annual Black Ships Festival and the Sister City relationship between Newport and Shimoda. Step onto the elegant grounds of Rosecliff on Bellevue Ave., an exquisite & historic location, over looking the Atlantic Ocean for a formal gala honoring the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa . Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture. The Gala includes music, dancing, an Opulent Vodka Martini Bar and Tommy Bahama Rum Bar, an Open Bar, delectable food, and sushi by Haruki . Begin the evening with the breaking of the Ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake. Sit down dinner, specially prepared by Plantation Catering. $150 per person, Black Tie/Kimonos. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720. Presented by Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
Saturday, July 18
Japanese Tea Tasting
11:00AM to 5:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts. (401) 845-8327.
10:00AM to 4:00PM • Touro Park
Touro Park on Bellevue Avenue is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays.
Aikido Demonstration
10:00AM to 12:00PM • LAWN
Newport Aikido welcomes you for on-going demonstrations of the modern martial art of Aikido. Aikido blends mind, body and spirit. Reflexive in nature, it is a non-violent martial art that is ethically linked to defense against an unprovoked attack. Aikido teaches people sincerity and compassion, and helps a person to realize their own potential as a human being.
Origami Workshop
10:00AM to 4:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of Japanese paper folding.
Lost Sword Techniques of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Era, 15th - 17th Century)
10:00AM
Kenjutsu Enbu (Samurai Sword Demonstration). This demonstration will be a catalog of techniques preserved by Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who re-presented the documents of Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu in scrolls to the Kuki family following the loss of their antique documents, incinerated during the bombings of WWII. A very traditional demonstration of Samurai Sword.
Kenjutsu Kihon, An Introduction Workshop on the Samurai Sword
10:00AM to 11:00AM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of Samurai Sword. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the sword, it's history and effectiveness regardless of age or experience level. Topics covered will include the first four Kata Sayu Gyaku of the Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu
Japanese Toy Making Workshop
11:00AM
Haruo Shiga will teach children to make Japanese toys: Den-Den Daiko (Drum) and a Ken-Dama (Cup and Ball). Children ages 7-12.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
11:00AM
Meet huge, powerful athlete, Manny Yarbrough. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Hospitality Booth
11:00AM to 4:00PM • THE JAPANESE CONSULATE TENT
Japanese Consulate in Boston and Japan National Tourism Organization in
New York will provide information on tourism in Japan. You can also learn about scholarship to study in Japan, and JET program.
Raku
11:00AM
Denise Wilkey will demonstrate throughout the day the traditional art of Raku firing and her magnificent pottery display.
Ninja Demonstration
11:00AM to 12:00PM • LAWN
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Calligraphy Name Writing Demonstration
11:00AM
A demonstration by Calligraphy Artist Make Labonte.
Feng Shui with Stephen Devine
11:15AM to 12:15PM
Learn about the centuries old study of the relationship between human beings and their living-working environment. Through the application of Feng Shui you can enhance your knowledge, career, family relationships, marriage and well-being!
Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:15AM to 12:45PM
Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga) have become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Learn and ask questions about these two unique art forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.
Jojutsu Enbu (Stick Fighting Demonstration)
11:25AM
Polearm of the Mountain Warrior. This demonstration will show the weapon of the Yamabushi, Japan's mountain monk's and how they used their walking sticks for combative use. This tradition is help in the Kukishin Ryu Jojutsu and dates back to the mid 1500s
Jojutsu Kihon An Introduction Workshop on the 5 Foot Staff
11:30AM to 12:30PM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of Jojutsu, the 5 foot staff. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the staff, it's history and effectiveness regardless of age or experience level. Topics covered will include the first four kata of the Kukishin Ryu Jojutsu.
Calligraphy & Sumi Painting Demonstration
12:00PM to 1:00PM
A demonstration by Japanese Master Calligrapher, Michio Imai, of Kaji Aso Studio, Institute for the Arts. Michiko was awarded the highest rank in Japnese Calligraphy of Shihan. She is among the few to have won multiple best of category awards in national Competitions (Japan). Her work has been displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Nara City Museum of Art and Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art.
Conversational Japanese
12:15PM to 1:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
The Japan Language and Culture Center will teach the basics so that you can speak to visiting Japanese guests.
Sushi Making Demonstration
12:30PM
Haruki Restaurant of Cranston demonstrates.
Kosshijutsu Enbu (Empty Hand Martial Demonstration)
12:30PM
Female Ninja of The Jade Tiger . Witness a demonstration that goes back in time to the roots of Japan's Ninja. The school of Gyokko Ryu was created in the T'ang Dynasty by a revered female martial artist name Cho-Gyokko. The arts that were handed down by her were the main influence on the Iga schools of Ninjutsu through the course of History. In honor of this tradition, the complete densho (scroll) of the first level techniques will be demonstrated by female martial artist, Victoria Prince of the Yasuragi Dojo in Mahopac, New York. This will be an amazing look back into history and a time when women were among the most sought after masters of martial arts.
Dakentaijutsu Enbu (Empty Hand Martial Demonstration)
12:45PM
Unarmed Fighting Methods of The Kuki Samurai This demonstration will be centered on the first level empty hand combatives trained by the Kuki Samurai during the Edo Period (And possibly before). These techniques will display the precursors to modern day Jiujitsu and were a strong influence on such arts as Aikido and Judo.
An Introduction to Samurai Jujutsu
12:45PM to 1:45PM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of armored grappling and striking used by Japan's Samurai. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the marital arts of the Samurai. Topics covered will be the first four kata of the Kukishin Ryu Chuden no Maki.
Calligraphy Workshop for Children
1:00PM to 4:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
Learn the art of calligraphy. Kids will enjoy writing their names in Japanese characters.
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
1:00PM to 2:00PM • LAWN
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
Sumi-e Painting
1:00PM to 2:00PM
Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.
Newport Martial Arts
1:00 • LAWN
Newport Martial Arts will provide a demonstration of Oki-Ryu Kenpo Karate. Unlike many systems that emphasize on particular type of technique (kicking, throwing,etc.), Oki-Ryu is balanced to encompass upper body, lower body, throwing, and joint locks. Students of all ages and levels will demonstrate Team Forms, Individual Forms, Weapons, Self-Defense techiniques, Sparring, and Board Breaking.
Gyotaku Demonstration
1:15PM
KECHENENY Fish Prints (Jack Brown) will present the "GYOTAKU" style of Japanese fish printing. By pressing a smooth sheet of paper against the inked surface of a fish, the image of the fish is transferred onto the paper.
Ikebana Demonstration
1:30PM
Learn the art of Japanese Flower arranging with Maki Labonte.
Japanese Toy Making Workshop
2:00PM
Haruo Shiga will teach children to make Japanese toys: Den-Den Daiko (Drum) and a Ken-Dama (Cup and Ball). Children ages 7-12.
Beyond the Smoke and Mask, A Study of Authentic Ninjutsu
2:00PM to 4:00PM
Martial Artists and History enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for a two hour study on the authentic roots of the mysterious Ninja, their place in Japanese history and the means in which they preserved their art for generations. This course that will be fully interactive, will start with a brief lecture on the Ninja, followed by a demonstration of some of their hallmark tactics and weapons, including the sickle and chain, throwing spikes, hand claws and the Ninja sword. Participants will then train the techniques demonstrated and develop an appreciation for this ancient tradition that is so often misunderstood. Authentic weapons and armor of the ninja will be on display for participants and history enthusiasts to enjoy. Topics trained will include Kyoketsu-shogejutsu (sickle and chain basics), Shurikenjutsu (Throwing spike basics), Shukojutsu (Hand claws) and Ninja-kenjutsu kihon (Ninja sword basics.) You must be signed up to attend this amazing workshop. A Q&A session will follow.
Tea Ceremony
2:00PM • LAWN
A special demonstration of the centuries old CHA-DO(Way of the Tea) led by Kaji Aso Studio.
Koto & Shamisen Player
2:30PM
Enjoy the sounds of Koto and Shamisen player Ms. Sumie Kaneko. Ms. Kaneko has graduated from Tokyo University and has been playing Koto since she was six years old and in 1994 won the 2nd International High School Art and Music Competition in Koto. She continues an important tradition of Japanese music and breathes new life into it. Her spirit highlights the universality of this timeless music.
Academy of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu
2:30PM
Watch various techniques and style of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu.
Customized Japanese Calligraphy Art
2:30PM
Have your favorite word or phrase hand written in Japanese characters to take home and frame.
Kimono Demonstration
3:15PM to 4:00PM • JAPAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE CENTER TENT
The Japan Language & Culture Center demonstrates how to properly wear a kimono.
TOURO PARK ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Maxx & Personalized Rice
- Haruki Japanese Restaurant
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Raku
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- IACE Travel Boston
- Maki Labonte – Hand made Calligraphy Cards
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
- Yasuragi Center
- Shiatsu & Reiki Japanese healing and relaxation techniques from Inner Vision
Japanese-American Market
Brick Market
Saturday, July 18, 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Candy Artist Miyuiki- Candy Artist from Disney's Epcot Center
12:00PM
Miyuiki joins us from Disney's Epcot Center. She is the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Candy artistry dates back over 250 years creating animals and flowers with soft rice dough. With her skilled hands and small scissors, she can make dragons, horses, rabbits, cats and much more. A must see!
Makigami and Origami Bonsai
12:30PM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his Origami Bonsai trees. Watch as he rolls tapered branches and then molds them into graceful branch-like shapes.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
1:00PM
Meet three huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough, Alex Vega and Leonard Thomas. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Feng Shui with Stephen Devine
2:15PM to 3:45PM
Learn about the centuries old study of the relationship between human beings and their living-working environment. Through the application of Feng Shui you can enhance your knowledge, career, family relationships, marriage and well-being!
Candy Artist Miyuiki- Candy Artist from Disney's Epcot Center
2:00PM to 4:00PM
Miyuiki joins us from Disney's Epcot Center. She is the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Candy artistry dates back over 250 years creating animals and flowers with soft rice dough. With her skilled hands and small scissors, she can make dragons, horses, rabbits, cats and much more. A must see!
Ninja Demonstration
2:30PM
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
3:00PM
Meet three huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough, Alex Vega and Leonard Thomas. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Taiko Drum Festival
4:30PM • Newport Yachting Center
The Taiko Drum Festival presented by The Japan America Society of RI. Doors open at 4:30 with a special prelude performance to the Drummers. Lion Dance performed by Stephen Long. At 5:00 Odaiko New England Taiko Drummers will take the stage and dazzle you with their electrifying performance. A favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! Tickets $10 Adult/$4 Child. Tickets available at: The Gateway Center, MWR ITT - Newport Navy Base, the Music Box and the Festival Office, 28 Pelham St. or call (401) 846-2720.
Sunday, July 19
Memorial Ceremonies
10:00AM • ISLAND CEMETERY, FAREWELL STREET
Wreath ceremony at Perry's tomb by American and Japanese dignitaries. Navy color guard, bugler and Chaplain. The public is invited to experience this commemoritive service.
Taiko Drum Festival
11:00AM • CARDINE'S FIELD
Taiko Drum Festival. Odaiko New England Taiko Drummers, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. A favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! $5.00 Adult/$4.00 Child.
Tea Tasting
11:00AM to 5:00PM • TEA ON THAMES • BRICK MARKET
Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts. (401) 845-8327.
Sailing, Sake & 'Sushi Go' Sail II
2:00PM to 4:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA
Enjoy the experience of the magnificent Tall Ship, the 101' schooner Aurora, in Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi from Newport's Sushi Go. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event if available. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.
Japanese-American Market
Brick Market
Sunday, July 19
11:00am to 4:00pm
Demonstrations & Workshops
Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:00AM to 12:15PM • BRICK MARKET
Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga) have become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Learn and ask questions about these two unique art forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.
Kenjutsu Enbu (Samurai Sword Demonstration)
11:00AM
Lost Sword Techniques of the Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Era, 15th - 17th Century)
This demonstration will be a catalog of techniques preserved by Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who re-presented the documents of Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu in scrolls to the Kuki family following the loss of their antique documents, incinerated during the bombings of WWII. A very traditional demonstration of Samurai Sword.
Kenjutsu Kihon, An Introduction Workshop on the Samurai Sword
11:00AM to 12:00PM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of Samurai Sword. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the sword, it's history and effectiveness regardless of age or experience level. Topics covered will include the first four Kata Omote of the Kukishin Ryu Bikenjutsu.
Makigami and Origami Bonsai
11:30AM
Artist, author and inventor Benjamin John Coleman of Pawtucket, Rhode island will be demonstrating his "Makigami" paper-rolling technique which he uses to make branches for his Origami Bonsai trees. Watch as he rolls tapered branches and then molds them into graceful branch-like shapes.
Candy Artist Miyuiki- Candy Artist from Disney's Epcot Center
12:00PM
Miyuiki joins us from Disney's Epcot Center. She is the first and only woman to receive training as a candy artist in Japan. Candy artistry dates back over 250 years creating animals and flowers with soft rice dough. With her skilled hands and small scissors, she can make dragons, horses, rabbits, cats and much more. A must see!
Jojutsu Enbu (Stick Fighting Demonstration)
12:25PM
Polearm of the Mountain Warrior This demonstration will show the weapon of the Yamabushi, Japan's mountain monk's and how they used their walking sticks for combative use. This tradition is help in the Kukishin Ryu Jojutsu and dates back to the mid 1500s
Jojutsu Kihon An Introduction Workshop on the 5 Foot Staff
12:30PM to 1:30PM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of Jojutsu, the 5 foot staff. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the staff, it's history and effectiveness regardless of age or experience level. Topics covered will include the last five kata of the Kukishin Ryu Jojutsu.
Sumi-e Painting Demonstration
12:30PM to 1:30PM • BRICK MARKET
Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.
Ninja Demonstration
1:00PM • BRICK MARKET
R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.
Sumo Wrestlers Meet & Greet
1:00PM & 2:30PM
Meet three huge, powerful athletes, Manny Yarbrough, Alex Vega and Leonard Thomas. Manny Yarbrough holds the Guinness Book of World Record's World's largest athlete as seen on David Letterman, Conan , Regis & Kelly and Jay Leno.
Kosshijutsu Enbu (Empty Hand Martial Demonstration)
1:30PM
Female Ninja of The Jade Tiger . Witness a demonstration that goes back in time to the roots of Japan's Ninja. The school of Gyokko Ryu was created in the T'ang Dynasty by a revered female martial artist name Cho-Gyokko. The arts that were handed down by her were the main influence on the Iga schools of Ninjutsu through the course of History. In honor of this tradition, the complete densho (scroll) of the first level techniques will be demonstrated by female martial artist, Victoria Prince of the Yasuragi Dojo in Mahopac, New York. This will be an amazing look back into history and a time when women were among the most sought after masters of martial arts.
Dakentaijutsu Enbu (Empty Hand Martial Demonstration)
1:45PM
Unarmed Fighting Methods of The Kuki Samurai. This demonstration will be centered on the first level empty hand combatives trained by the Kuki Samurai during the Edo Period (And possibly before). These techniques will display the precursors to modern day Jiujitsu and were a strong influence on such arts as Aikido and Judo.
An Introduction to Samurai Jujutsu
1:45PM to 2:45PM
Join us for a one hour workshop covering the fundamental movement found in the study of armored grappling and striking used by Japan's Samurai. This workshop will be offered to all those interested in the marital arts of the Samurai. Topics covered will include four kata of the Kukishin Ryu Chuden no Maki.
Gyotaku Demonstration
2:30PM
KECHENENY Fish Prints (Jack Brown) will present the "GYOTAKU" style of Japanese fish printing. By pressing a smooth sheet of paper against the inked surface of a fish, the image of the fish is transferred onto the paper.
Beyond the Smoke and Mask, Demonstration and Discussion on Authentic Ninjutsu
3:15PM to 3:45PM
Martial Artists and History enthusiasts of all kinds are welcome to join us for demonstrations and talks on the authentic roots of the mysterious Ninja, their place in Japanese history and the means in which they preserved their art for generations. This will start with a brief lecture on the Ninja, followed by a demonstration of some of their hallmark tactics and weapons, including the sickle and chain, throwing spikes, hand claws and the Ninja sword. Authentic weapons and armor of the ninja will be on display for everyone to enjoy.
SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
3:00PM • BRICK MARKET
Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.
88th Army Band
3:00PM • BRICK MARKET
The band is part of the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard. It is comprised of talented musicians from communities throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They have traveled to the Bahamas playing at the American Embassies and have played for many special events including the Inauguration of the Governor. (Weather Permitting)
BRICK MARKET ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS
- Maxx & Personalized Rice
- Anime Portraits by Ed Sutherland
- Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
- Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
- Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
Calendar of Events •
Ongoing Activities •
Map
Information & Telephone Numbers •
Hotels •
Main Page
The Black Ships Festival is coordinated by:
Marketing &
Events, Inc.
28 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840 (401)847-7666
