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3-Day Black Ships Festival, a Rhode Island connection more than 170 Years in the Making
A Rhode Island Connection More Than 170 Years in the Making
Three-day celebration features cultural events in Bristol and Newport, including the Black Ships Festival, Opening Ceremony, Sushi-Sake Sails and Gala
The Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc.® (JASRI) will celebrate the 43rd Annual Black Ships Festival®, continuing a Rhode Island tradition that honors the historic ties and enduring friendship between Rhode Island and Japan.
For more than four decades, the Black Ships Festival has brought Japanese culture, history and community together through events held in Bristol and Newport. This year’s celebration features traditional music and cultural demonstrations, family activities, food, sailing experiences and the signature Black Ships Festival Gala.
A Rhode Island Connection More Than 170 Years in the Making
The history celebrated by the Black Ships Festival reaches back to Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who was born in Newport in 1794. Perry commanded the U.S. naval expedition to Japan that ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, opening relations between Japan and the United States.
JASRI began hosting the Black Ships Festival in Newport in 1983 – 43 years ago – to strengthen Newport’s sister-city relationship with Shimoda, Japan. What began as a local commemoration has grown into a statewide celebration of Japanese culture, education and friendship.
That relationship continues well beyond the annual festival. JASRI participates in the Perry Festival in Yokosuka, Japan, and organizes annual delegations to Tokyo, Yokosuka and Shimoda.
In 2024, JASRI and Roger Williams University launched the Commodore Matthew C. Perry Global Initiative, providing students from participating universities with the opportunity to experience Japan through an immersive cultural tour.
JASRI’s contributions to Rhode Island-Japan relations have also received recognition at the state, federal and international levels. In 2017, Emperor Akihito conferred upon JASRI President Emeritus Spencer Viner the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. In 2025, Governor Dan McKee and U.S. Representative Gabe Amo recognized JASRI and its contributions to the enduring friendship, cultural exchange and shared history between Rhode Island and Japan.
Participate in the Black Ships Festival
The Black Ships Festival’s Cultural Marketplace Fair brings together arts, entertainment, food, and crafts with an Asian cultural twist — and you’re invited to be part of it!
Friday — Opening Ceremony | 10:00 a.m.
Rockwell Park, Bristol
The festival begins with a ceremony commemorating Newport native Commodore Matthew C. Perry and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa. The program will include a wreath-laying ceremony, remarks from dignitaries, presentation of the colors by the Bristol Police Color Guard, and the national anthems of Japan and the United States.
Friday — Sushi-Sake Sail I | 2:00 p.m.
Goat Island, Newport
Guests will sail Newport Harbor aboard the 101-foot Schooner Aurora while enjoying sake from Gekkeikan and sushi from Clement’s Market.
Friday — Taiko Drummers & Jazz | 6:00 p.m.
Rockwell Park, Bristol
Shin Daiko Taiko Drummers will bring the powerful tradition of Japanese taiko to Bristol, followed by a performance by The Earl Knightwood Band.
Saturday — JASRI Black Ships Festival | 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Independence Park, Bristol
This free, family-friendly waterfront celebration offers a day of Japanese culture and entertainment, including:
- Taiko drummers
- Martial arts demonstrations
- Origami and calligraphy
- Japanese food and marketplace
- Live entertainment
- Family activities
Saturday — JASRI Black Ships Festival Gala | 6:30 p.m.
Ochre Court, Newport
The festival’s signature formal gala celebrates the 43rd anniversary of the Black Ships Festival and the historic signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa. The evening blends Japanese and American culture with the ceremonial breaking of the sake drum, Gekkeikan sake, taiko drumming, dinner, sushi, custom cocktails, dancing and more.
Sunday — Sushi-Sake Sail II | 12:00 p.m.
Goat Island, Newport
The weekend concludes with a second opportunity to sail Newport Harbor aboard the Schooner Aurora while sampling sake and sushi.
About JASRI
The Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc.® is a 501(c)(3) statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering culture, education, friendship and community between Rhode Island and Japan.
JASRI welcomes anyone with an appreciation for Japanese culture and an interest in building connections that can lead to lifelong friendships around the world.
For festival information, event details and tickets, visit blackshipsri.org.
