Celebrating its 26th year, The Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of RI was
honored to have been chosen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan to receive its prestigious citation from the Minister. This acknowledged the Society's dedication to developing and understanding educational and economic ties between the citizens of Rhode Island and Japan. The citation was presented by Mr. Keizo Obuchi, former Prime Minister of Japan.
The Black Ships Festival offers a variety of events that emphasize both Japanese art and culture. Events include Origami, Martial Arts, and a Japanese Tea Ceremony. A highlight will be the Annual Festival of Drums.
The Black Ships Festival commemorates the historic achievements of Commodore Matthew
C. Perry, USN, of Newport, Rhode Island. The "Black Ships," or "Kurofune," refers to the Japanese term for foreign ships which, with one exception, were excluded from Japan for two hundred years until 1854. Commodore Perry negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, the first treaty between the United States and Japan, thus ending two centuries of Japanese isolationism. This year the Black Ships Festival celebrates over 150 years of the
signing of the treaty, which brought the two countries together as trading partners.
The Black Ships Festivals in Newport and in its Japanese Sister City, Shimoda, commemorate this historic event with a celebration of friendship.
The Festival is presented by The Japan-America Society Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc.,
a non-profit, non-partisan organization. For further information, contact The Japan-America Society of Rhode Island, 28 Pelham Street, Newport, RI 02840, call (401)846-2720. Remember to
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Call Today! (401)846-2720
The Japan-America Society &
Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island Inc.
Gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the following
CO - SPONSORS
Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
ABC 6
COMMODORE SPONSORS
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
City of Newport
Consulate General of Japan
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Salve Regina University
Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
University of Rhode Island
Admiral Sponsor
Brick Market Merchants
Dean Warehouse
Haruki Japanese Restaurant
Thomas W. Curry of Merrill Lynch
Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Flo's Clam Shack
SHOGUN
Courtyard by Marriott
Flo's Clam Shack
Gekkeikan Sake
IDC/The Newport Experience/Schooner "Aurora"
Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Newport Black Ships Festival Japan
SAMURAI
88th Army Band/RI National Guard
Barefoot Wine
Boston Beer Co. Samuel Adams
Opulent Vodka
Thrifty Car Rental, Rhode Island
Tommy Bahama Rum
United States Navy Band, Newport
WADK 1540 AM/The Bridge WJZS 99.3 FM
Advertise in the Black Ships Festival Ad Program [PDF]
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
