Japan-America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island, Inc.®
42
Celebrating
ロードアイランド日米協会・黒船祭り
Years!
2025
JASRI BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 8/22
10:00 am - Opening Ceremony
Rockwell Park - 162 Thames St, Bristol, RI 02809
2:00 - 4:00 pm - Sushi Sake Sail I
Schooner Aurora, Goat Island - Dock A, Newport, RI
6:00 pm - Taiko Drummers Performance
Rockwell Park - 162 Thames St, Bristol, RI 02809
SATURDAY 8/23
10:00 am - 3:00 pm - JASRI Black Ships Festival
Independence Park, 419-459 Thames St, Bristol, RI 02809
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10:00am - Event Opens
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11:15am - 11:35am - Taiko Drummers - Odaiko New England
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11:45am - 12:15pm - Martial Arts Demonstration by Okinawan Temple Karate Studio
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12:15pm - 1:35pm - Taiko Drummers - Odaiko New England
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1:35pm - 2:00pm - Martial Arts Demonstration by Okinawan Temple Karate Studio
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2:00pm - 2:30pm - Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration by Kaji Aso Studio
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2:30pm - 2:50pm - Taiko Drummers - Odaiko New England
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3:00pm - Event Closes
6:30 - 10:30 pm - JASRI Black Ships Gala
Ochre Court Mansion, 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
SUNDAY 8/24
10:00 - 11:00 am - Commodore Matthew C Perry Memorial Remembrance
30 Warner Street, Newport, RI 02840
12:00 - 2:00 pm - Sushi Sake Sail II
Schooner Aurora, Goat Island - Dock A, Newport, RI
The Annual Black Ships Celebration
Dive into Japanese Culture at the 42nd Black Ships Festival!
Mark your calendars for August 22nd – 24th, 2025! The 42nd Black Ships Festival is setting sail for Bristol and Newport, Rhode Island, bringing a whirlwind of immersive cultural attractions and art experiences for the whole family.
Ready for an unforgettable journey? This year's festival promises to:
• Transport you to Japan: Discover the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture through traditional arts, crafts, music, and dance. Be captivated by stunning performances, explore intricate crafts, and savor delicious treats.
• Spark your curiosity: Dive deeper into history with interactive exhibits and engaging workshops. Learn about the fascinating connection between Rhode Island and Japan, from Commodore Perry's historic visit to the enduring legacy of the Black Ships Festival.
• Connect with your community: Celebrate the Ocean State's rich cultural diversity. The festival fosters a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, create, and have fun.
• Create lasting memories: Make your summer unforgettable with unique experiences like trying on kimonos, participating in tea ceremonies, or learning calligraphy. Capture precious moments with your family and friends amidst the vibrant festival atmosphere.
More than just a festival, it's a bridge between cultures!
So set sail for adventure with The Black Ships Festival!
2025 Black Ships Festival Schedule
August 22 - 24, 2025
in Bristol and Newport, RI
Here are highlights of our planned festival events:
From August 22nd to 24th, 2025, Bristol and Newport will transform into a vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture, offering unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Prepare to be swept away.
Opening Ceremonies: Witness the colorful Opening Ceremonies honoring Commodore Perry's legacy and the historic Treaty of Kanagawa, featuring speeches, wreath-laying, and a patriotic performance by the Bristol Police Color Guard.
Step aboard the majestic Tall Ship Aurora: Sail the magnificent Newport Harbor, savoring delicious sushi and sake while the wind whispers tales of Commodore Perry's historic voyage. Sushi Sake Sails: (Space is limited, so act fast!) Set sail on the Aurora, indulging in Sushi Sake Sails while soaking in breathtaking harbor views.
Tickets for both Sushi Sake Sails are on sale now. Click here.
Thrilling Taiko Drum Performances: Feel the electrifying energy of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming, a mesmerizing spectacle that blends percussion, movement, and raw power that will leave you breathless.
Enjoy martial arts demonstrations, intricate ikebana flower arrangements, lively Bon Odori dancing, and much more!
Unleash your creativity at the Kids' Crafts Corner!
Celebrate Under The Stars: The Black Ships Festival Gala at Ochre Court in Newport, RI with its Gilded Age grandeur. Enjoy a formal gala honoring the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa and the accomplishments of the United States Navy. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture. The Gala includes dancing, an Open Bar, sushi by Haruki Restaurant, wines by Shaw-Ross International Importers, and outstanding cultural cuisine with a Japanese flare. Begin the evening with the breaking of the Ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake. Enjoy Odaiko New England's powerful taiko drumming presentation. Outstanding sit-down dinner by Audrain Hospitality. Gala is Presented by Toray Plastics (America).
Tickets to the Black Ships Festival Gala are on sale now. Click here.
Remember The Past, Honor The Future: Pay tribute to Commodore Perry's legacy at the poignant Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Newport’s Island Cemetery, a solemn yet heartwarming event that reflects on the rich history shared by two nations. Celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.
Enjoy a Second Sushi Sake Sail: On Sunday to close out the festival, set sail on the majestic Schooner Aurora, savoring delicious sushi and sake, and soak in the stunning Newport harbor scenic views.
Tickets for both Sushi Sake Sails are on sale now. Click here.
And that's just a taste of the adventure that awaits! The Black Ships Festival is an experience for all ages and interests with engaging workshops, insightful exhibits, and countless opportunities to connect with Japanese culture in vibrant and interactive ways.
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun-filled family adventure, this festival has something for you.
See you at the Fair! Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of the 42nd Black Ships Festival!
Set your course for adventure!
Set in one of America's best summer towns: Bristol, Rhode Island. Visitors come from far away locations to enjoy Bristol's history, stroll along its waterfront, shop in its many stores and dine in its many fine restaurants. Make a day of it with your family.
