Japan-American Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc.®

Celebrating our 40th Anniversary last year, the Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of R.I. is 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 the Honorable Keizo Obuchi, former Prime Minister of Japan.

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Do you know what the term “Black Ships,” or “Kurofune” means?

In the Japanese language it refers to ‘foreign ships’ excluded from Japan for two hundred years until 1854…with one exception! Commodore Matthew C. Perry was born here in Rhode Island. Perry pioneered the use of steam engines for the United States Navy. He negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa as the first treaty between the United States and Japan. This ended two centuries of Japanese isolationism. Every year JASRI celebrates this historic event here in Rhode Island -- a region taking pride in its seafaring legacy.  We're a picturesque state that aims for multicultural connections.

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Our Black Ships Festival has now assumed a life of its own. It’s where communities come together. A melting pot of the diverse cultural landscape of our community with a sprinkling of the East. This annual festival goes a step further in its cultural educational outreach. 

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The Black Ships Festivals in Rhode Island and in Shimoda, Japan commemorate this historic event with celebrations of friendship. The Festival is presented by The Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan organization.