Events

Time and Location

October 25, 11am
Touro Park (Newport, RI)

About

A vibrant day of performances and demonstrations celebrating the beauty, artistry, and friendship shared between Japan and the United States. From the thunder of taiko drums to the elegance of swordsmanship and the colorful fun of pop culture, the festival brings centuries of tradition and innovation to life. It is a joyful showcase of cultural exchange, community spirit, and creativity for all ages.

The festival features powerful performances by Gendo Taiko and ShinDaiko, a stunning martial arts demonstration by Rhode Island Suio Ryu Iai—the ancient art of sword drawing—and a dynamic dance performance by OKAZE, Providence’s own J-Pop dance crew. The Cosplay Parade and Family Costume Contest will add another layer of excitement, welcoming children, parents, and even pets to celebrate their favorite anime, manga, and Japanese pop-culture characters.

Don’t forget to stop by the Origami and Calligraphy Workshops, enjoy Kimono experiences, and explore many other engaging cultural activities throughout the day. Each moment offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Japanese tradition and creativity.

The day begins with a ceremony honoring Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who successfully opened Japan to the world in 1854. We are honored to welcome delegates from Shimoda City, Newport’s Sister City, for this meaningful commemoration that highlights the lasting friendship between our two nations.

Presented by the Japan–America Society of Southern New England (JASNE) in partnership with the City of Newport and the Sister City Commission. Together, these partners continue to build bridges of understanding and friendship through the universal language of culture and art.

For more information: Japan-America Friendship Festival

This event is supported by the Education Grant.