The 2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival returns to historic Touro Park in Newport on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hosted by the Japan-America Society of Southern New England (JASNE), this free outdoor cultural celebration honors the enduring ties between Rhode Island and Japan tracing back to Newport native Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s historic 1854 expedition, which opened diplomatic relations between the two nations, as well as the long-standing Newport-Shimoda Sister City relationship.
A major highlight of this year’s festival is the dedicated History Tent, presented in partnership with leading regional maritime and cultural institutions—including the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Wareham Historical Society, and the Five College Center for East Asian Studies. Visitors can explore rare historical displays, ocean trade heritage, and the story of John Manjiro, the first Japanese person to live in the United States.
The festival offers a full day of energetic cultural programming for all generations, featuring thunderous live taiko drumming, dynamic martial arts demonstrations, a Youth Pavilion with origami and calligraphy, a midday Cosplay Parade & Costume Contest at 12:30 PM, Japanese-inspired food vendors, and regional artisan booths. Join us in celebrating Rhode Island’s rich history of global diplomatic and cultural exchange!
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