Events

Time and Location

Oct. 17, 10am
Touro Park (Newport, RI)

About

Celebrate Culture, History & Community in Historic Newport!

Bring the whole family for an unforgettable day of fun, food, and culture at the 2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival!

Hosted in the heart of historic Touro Park in Newport, Rhode Island, this collaborative community celebration brings history to life in the shadow of the iconic Newport Tower. Newport holds a profound place in international relations as the hometown of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who opened diplomatic ties between Japan and the United States in 1853. Today, we honor that rich maritime legacy with an immersive, hands-on day filled with vibrant traditions, exciting performances, and modern community connection.

Key Partnerships & Leadership

Presented in close partnership with The Mayor’s Office and the City’s Sister City Commission, the festival honors long-standing historic ties, cross-cultural exchange, and grassroots community fellowship. As a proud member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), our organization works alongside local leadership and national partners to deepen mutual understanding and foster international goodwill. Supported in part by grant funding from NAJAS (with support from the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC), this initiative highlights our shared history, dynamic artistic traditions, and ongoing public engagement.

Festival Highlights for the Whole Family

Whether you are watching local residents, military community representatives, and visiting artists collaborate, or crafting your own keepsake, there is magic and discovery around every corner for kids and adults alike!

• Heart-Pounding Taiko Drumming: Feel the energy and powerful rhythmic beats of traditional Japanese drums performed live in the park.
• Martial Arts Demonstrations: Watch skilled practitioners showcase discipline, agility, and precision across classic martial art forms.
• Kite Making, Kimono Dressing & Calligraphy (Shodo): Make a kite with visiting students from Shimoda. Try on beautiful traditional Japanese attire for photos and take home custom, hand-rendered calligraphy artwork.
• Interactive Origami Workshops: Perfect for young creators and curious hands to fold paper masterpieces step-by-step.
• Artisan Market & Interactive Youth Art: Explore unique handcrafted goods, interactive art stations, and living history exhibits.
• Delicious Local Food & Treats: Savor authentic Japanese street foods, culinary delights, and refreshing local treats.

Make It a Weekend Getaway: Discover Newport!

Turn festival day into an unforgettable coastal weekend staycation or getaway! Nestled along Narragansett Bay, Newport offers rich living history, family adventures, and coastal charm:

• Stroll Historic Bellevue Avenue: Touro Park sits along Bellevue Avenue, surrounded by Gilded Age architecture, local boutique shops, and shady picnic spots.
• Explore the Famous Cliff Walk: Take a scenic stroll along Newport’s breathtaking coastline, featuring sweeping ocean views and glimpses of iconic historic mansions.
• Discover Commodore Perry Square & Maritime History: Trace Commodore Perry’s legacy through historic downtown monuments, harborfront docks, and maritime heritage sites.
• Kite Flying at Brenton Point: Bring the kite you made at the Friendship Festival to Brenton Point State Park for world-class kite flying, tide-pooling, and panoramic views of Rhode Island Sound.

For more information: Japan-America Friendship Festival Sched | JAS of Southern New England – JASNE

This event is supported through the Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events.