Promoting and strengthening the friendship between the United States and Japan.
Part of the Newport–Shimoda Sister City Relationship
Japan-America Friendship Festival back in Newport!
Celebrate Culture, Creativity, and Connection at the 2nd Annual Japan–America Friendship Festival!
• When: Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Rain or Shine Event
• Where: Touro Park, 5 Touro Park St W, Newport, RI 02840
• Cost: Free and open to the public
• Highlights: Taiko drummers, martial arts, kids’ zone, cultural demos, artisan market, food trucks
• Host: Japan–America Society of Southern New England (JASNE)
• Occasion: Part of the historic Newport–Shimoda Sister City relationship
Bring the whole family to Touro Park for the second year of a vibrant Newport tradition! Part of the historic Newport–Shimoda Sister City relationship, this free, open-air festival is designed for all generations—from toddlers and teens to parents and grandparents. Come experience a day of immersive cultural exchange, hands-on discovery, and memory-making.
Deepest appreciation to Discover Newport for their generous support, the Japan Foundation, New York, for their vital financial support powering the growth of our festival, Toray Plastics (America) for their financial support, BankNewport for funding the vibrant Cultural Youth Pavilion, and the City of Newport, RI, for working so closely alongside us through their Sister City Commission to make this event a success!
Special thanks also to the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston for their support
2026 Friendship Festival Schedule Here
The 2nd Annual Japan-America Friendship Festival brings together the best parts of a public cultural event: performance, food, art, history, and a warm invitation to participate.
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Traditional Taiko Drumming: High-energy, captivating Japanese percussion performances.
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History Tent: Step back in time to explore Southern New England’s rich historical connection to Japan. Featuring educational displays, authentic artifacts, and a special preview of the upcoming "Perry Trail" project!
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Martial Arts Demonstrations: Exciting live showcases of traditional Japanese martial arts (such as Judo, Karate, and Aikido) highlighting discipline, form, and philosophy.
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Kimono Artistry: Live demonstrations showcasing the intricate symbolism, heritage, and visual elegance of traditional Japanese dress.
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Cultural Tent: One of the festival’s favorite destinations giving children and curious minds a hands-on space to touch, ask, make, and create rather than just watch from the sidelines. Try your hand at brush calligraphy, fold an origami crane, or craft a traditional Japanese kite. Simple to learn yet rich in meaning—an inviting doorway to explore language, patience, art, and timeless traditions.
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Family Cosplay Parade & Costume Contest at 12:30 PM!
Unleash your family’s imagination at our spirited Cosplay Contest
Building on the wonderful energy of our inaugural year, we invite attendees of all ages—and even your costumed pets—to showcase their favorite attire inspired by Japanese animation, manga, video games, and pop culture. This is a fantastic, welcoming opportunity for families and teens to bond through shared artistry, costuming, and fandom.
To join the fun and cheer on the participants, assemble at 12:15 PM under the large tent right next to the Commodore Perry Statue. Friendly, simple prizes will be awarded across four creative categories:
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Best Family/Group Theme (for collaborative family efforts)
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Most Creative Pet Costume (for our four-legged participants)
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Most Inspired Anime/Manga Look (celebrating individual detail and passion)
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The Fan's Choice (voted on by our wonderful festival audience)
Congrats to this year's RI Cherry Blossom Delegate!!!
Over the past two years, Rhode Island representatives at the Cherry Blossom celebration in Washington DC have been instrumental in fostering friendships between Japan and the United States.
The Cherry Blossom Program, established in 1948, celebrates the gift of Cherry Blossom Trees from Japan to the United States, highlighting our friendship. This week-long event offers cultural, educational, and professional development for young women leaders aged 19 to 24 from the U. and beyond, managed by the National Conference of State Societies. Delegates are selected for their leadership and academic achievements, representing their states, territories, or countries at various events during the National Cherry Blossom Festival© in Washington, DC.
A special thank you to Alexandria Evers and Sophia Maynard for your outstanding leadership. JASNE is collaborating with the State Society of Rhode Island to support this initiative.
We have discovered an exceptional delegate to continue this legacy. Congratulations, Mya MacNeil!!!
Our Vision
Japan-America Society of Southern New England (JASNE or JAS Southern New England) is based in Rhode Island with members throughout MA/CT/RI and aims to connect and serve individuals throughout southern New England who have significant connections with or interest in Japan. JASNE offers services and activities to foster greater friendship and understanding between Japan and America at the grassroots level, including collaborating with other organizations in New England focused on Japan-America relations in their efforts and promoting their events.
JASNE started in 2018 as the Japan America Navy Friendship Association-Newport (JANAFA-Newport). The group operates under the name JANAFA-Newport for activities on Naval Station Newport aiming to connect individuals who have served in Japan, are going to serve in Japan, or have a significant connection to Japan. JANAFA-Newport arranges on-base activities that focus on connecting military members and their families together to help them prepare for future assignments in Japan or to celebrate their previous time in Japan.
Our Mission
The mission of JASNE is to promote and strengthen the US-Japan Alliance and to foster greater friendship between our countries.
We believe that the strongest alliances are built not just on policy, but on people and mutual respect. That is exactly how we plan to achieve our mission with the Japan-America Friendship Festival: by transforming Touro Park into a vibrant space for shared experience.
Through hands-on Cultural Touchpoints, we're creating a grassroots platform for mutual understanding, deepening the cultural ties that form the foundation of our enduring alliance.
Come join us as we celebrate this powerful friendship!
Get Involved
Join us in our efforts to strengthen the ties between the American and Japanese communities. Whether you have a background in the military, cultural exchange, or simply share a passion for promoting friendship between the two nations, there are various ways to engage and contribute to our cause.
Upcoming Events
Sat, Oct 17NewportSave the date. Our second annual family-friendly festival is scheduled for 17 OCT from 10am - 4pm
Sun, Oct 18Belmont ChapelJASNE, Newport Navy League, City of Newport, and the Shimoda delegation will hold a solemn ceremony at the gravesite of Newport-native Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry next to Belmont Chapel in Island Cemetery on Sunday morning.
Mon, Dec 07Naval Staff College WardroomThis event is an annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony to remember those who lost their lives that day, but also to celebrate that two countries who had been enemies that day are now the best of friends and work together for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (requires access to base/NWC)
Multiple DatesMon, Feb 22Wyndham Newport HotelFirst in-person workshop for the planned edited volume commemorating the 175th anniversary of Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry's expedition to Japan and the signing of the first US-Japan Treaty. (Limited Seating - Registration Required)
Sat, Oct 02FairhavenThe 20th Manjiro Festival is expected to be scheduled for 2 October 2027. All JASNE members are encouraged to attend. Please see https://whitfield-manjiro.org/ for updates.