NEWPORT -- This city's Japanese population numbers only a few dozen but its ties to Japan date more than 150 years. In 1854, native son Commodore Matthew C. Perry sailed a fleet of nine war ships, known as "black ships " (or kurofune, meaning foreign ships), into Tokyo Bay. The resulting Treaty of Kanagawa, which Perry helped negotiate, opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to trade with the West, breaking Japan's nearly 200-year policy of isolation.
Shimoda and Newport are now official sister cities, and both celebrate Perry's visit, the treaty, and cultural exchange with an annual Black Ships Festival . Shimoda's festival takes place in the spring, while Newport's kicks off Thursday. It features four days of demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, and other events featuring Japanese traditions, among them sumo wrestling, ikebana (flower arranging), Samurai swordsmanship, and kabuki dancing.
There will also be performances of traditional drumming by Matsuriza, one of the world's leading taiko groups. Taiko is highly choreographed, rhythmic ensemble drumming and has been part of Japanese culture for centuries. Whatever you enjoy, be sure to say, " Arigato gozaimashita " (Thank you).
The 24th annual Black Ships Festival, July 19-22, Newport, R.I. 401-846-2720. blackshipsfestival .com. Many events take place at Brick Market Place and Touro Park, and most are free, starting Thursday afternoon and continuing through the next three days. Directions: Newport is 60 miles or over an hour from Boston. Take Interstate 93 south to Route 24 south (which merges briefly with I-195 west in Fall River) toward Tiverton and Newport. Take Route 114 south (West Main Road) into Newport. The market is between America's Cup Avenue and Thames Street and the park a few blocks away.
KATHY SHORR
