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.

• Traditional Taiko Drumming: High-energy, captivating Japanese percussion performances.

• 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!

• Kimono Artistry: Live demonstrations showcasing the intricate symbolism, heritage, and visual elegance of traditional Japanese dress.

• 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.

 

Performance and Demonstration Schedule

(Note: Schedule is subject to change. Some performances may be cancelled if it rains)

10:00 AM      Festival Grounds Open

Welcome to Touro Park! Discover unique creations in our artisan market, dive into hands-on activities in our cultural tents, and sample mouthwatering treats from local food trucks. Adventure, culture, and fun await the whole family!

10:15 AM     Gendo Taiko near the Cultural Tent

Youthful, inventive taiko drumming featuring students from Brown University and RISD, transforming traditional rhythms into an interactive, high-energy performance.

10:30 AM     Opening Ceremony & Sister City Tribute at the Commodore Perry Statute

An inspiring festival kickoff featuring Gendo Taiko, followed by official remarks from Newport civic leaders and visiting Shimoda delegates, honoring our Sister City bond with a wreath-laying at the Commodore Perry Statue.

11:00 AM     ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble in Newport Tower Tent

Taiko is both music and movement. Performing on large traditional drums with dynamic choreography and precise timing, ShinDaiko creates a thunderous, reverberating sound you can feel as much as hear. Experience the power, synchronized grace, and vibrant energy of New England’s premier taiko ensemble’s heart-pounding rhythms!

12:00 AM     Cultural Showcase & Activity on the Green

A captivating live showcase of traditional craftsmanship.

12:15 PM     Gathering of Cosplay Parade/Contest at Commodore Perry Statute

A joyful, family-friendly runway where creativity shines! Show off your favorite costumes inspired by anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture—kids, parents, family pets and fans of all ages welcome.

12:30 PM      2nd Annual Family Cosplay Costume Contest at Newport Tower

Join the fun and cheer on our participants! Friendly, simple prizes will be awarded across four creative categories:

• Best Family/Group Theme (collaborative efforts)

• Most Creative Pet Costume (for 4-legged fans)

• Most Inspired Anime/Manga Look (celebrating individual detail and passion)

• The Fan's Choice (voted on by festival audience)

1:00 PM     ShinDaiko in Newport Tower Tent

Experience the commanding power, precision, and synchronized grace of ShinDaiko, the festival’s premier traditional taiko ensemble with fast-paced rhythms, explosive energy, and audience participation for all ages!

1:45 PM     Gendo Taiko Near Cultural Tent

Representing the creative synergy of RISD and Brown, Gendo Taiko brings a fresh, contemporary energy to ancient percussion traditions. Expect thunderous rhythms celebrating youth and cultural heritage.

2:00 PM     Cultural Showcase & Activity on the Green

A captivating live showcase of traditional craftsmanship.

2:30 PM     ShinDaiko in Newport Tower Tent

A breathtaking final set from ShinDaiko, building to a dramatic crescendo of rhythm and movement that embodies the spirit of the festival - Kizuna, the ‘bonds of friendship that grow through shared experiences.

3:00 PM     Gendo Taiko Near Cultural Tent

Experience the exuberant, interactive taiko drumming of Brown and RISD students as their thunderous rhythms unite performers and spectators in a loud, joyous festival celebration!

3:15 PM     Cultural Showcase & Activity on the Green

A captivating live showcase of traditional craftsmanship.

 

Ongoing Cultural Touchpoints (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

Step into our interactive pavilion tents where attendees of all ages can play, create, and experience Japanese art forms firsthand with guidance from local instructors and artisans:

• History Tent: Explore the historical roots of southern New England’s connection to Japan with educational displays, historical artifacts, and a preview of the upcoming "Perry Trail" project.

• Traditional Shimoda Kite-Making: Craft and build your own Japanese kite! Led by visiting educators and students from Shimoda, Japan, this hands-on workshop introduces traditional kite artistry and mechanics.

• Kimono & Yukata Photo Nook: Dress up and capture a memory! Try on a beautiful traditional Japanese kimono or light, breezy summer yukata, and pose for an unforgettable family photograph.

• Shodō Calligraphy Name Tags: Watch the traditional art of Shodō (Japanese calligraphy) in action and receive a custom keepsake tag featuring your name translated into classic Japanese brush script.

• Origami Crafting Station: Transform paper into art! Learn how to fold colorful sheets into three-dimensional animals, cranes, and geometric shapes with easy, step-by-step guidance.

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On October 17, Touro Park will become a place to hear, taste, make, watch, and connect. Bring the family, invite a friend, pack a costume if the mood strikes, and enjoy a Newport tradition that is still young but already full of heart.