Site Menu:
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Touro Park, 5 Touro Park St W, Newport, RI 02840
Free and open to the public. Rain or Shine event.
Presented in celebration of the Newport–Shimoda Sister City relationship
Made possible by a grant from Japan Foundation, New York
The Japan–America Society of Southern New England, Inc.® (JASNE) is thrilled to present a vibrant day of performances and demonstrations celebrating the beauty, artistry, and friendship shared between Japan and the United States. From the thunder of taiko drums to the elegance of swordsmanship and the colorful fun of pop culture, the festival brings centuries of tradition and innovation to life. Please enjoy this showcase of cultural exchange, community spirit, and creativity for all ages!
Performance and Demonstration Schedule
[Please note: Schedule is subject to change]
11:00 AM – Festival Opening Celebration
An inspiring start to the day featuring Gendo Taiko, whose thunderous rhythms awaken the crowd. Followed by remarks from Newport City officials and delegates from Shimoda, honoring the Sister City bond with a wreath-laying at the Commodore Perry Statue.
11:30 AM – ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
Experience the commanding artistry of ShinDaiko, New England’s premier taiko ensemble. Their power, precision, and grace bring centuries of Japanese drumming tradition vividly to life.
11:45 AM – Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō of Rhode Island
A captivating demonstration of Jiujutsu, the ancient Japanese art of sword drawing — a meditative balance of focus, control, and discipline.
12:00 PM – Gendo Taiko
Youthful and inventive, Gendo Taiko from Brown University and RISD transforms traditional rhythms into a vibrant, interactive performance that invites audiences to feel every beat.
12:15 PM – OKAZE: Providence’s J-Pop Dance Crew!
Get ready to move with OKAZE, Rhode Island’s J-Pop sensation! Bright choreography and upbeat rhythms make this performance an explosion of energy and fun.
12:30 PM – Cosplay Parade & Family Costume Contest
A joyful, family-friendly celebration where creativity shines! Show off your costumes inspired by anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture — kids, parents, and even pets welcome.
1:00 PM – ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
A second, high-energy performance from ShinDaiko brings thunderous soundscapes and synchronized drumming that fill the air with vitality.
1:30 PM – Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō of Rhode Island
Witness once again the disciplined beauty of Iaido — the graceful art of Japanese swordsmanship in motion.
1:45 PM – OKAZE: Providence’s J-Pop Dance Crew!
Round two with OKAZE! New choreography, same contagious energy — a must-see for dance and pop lovers alike.
2:00 PM – ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
The grand finale set from ShinDaiko delivers a breathtaking crescendo of rhythm and movement — a performance that embodies the spirit of the festival.
2:15 PM – Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō of Rhode Island
For those who missed earlier demonstrations — or simply can’t get enough — a final showcase of precise, flowing sword techniques steeped in centuries of Japanese tradition.
2:30 PM – OKAZE: Providence’s J-Pop Dance Crew!
The final dance set from OKAZE bursts with color, sound, and heart — a joyful tribute to the music and pop culture that connect new generations.
2:45 PM – Taiko Brown (Gendo Taiko)
Closing the festival with exuberant energy, Gendo Taiko returns to unite audience and performers in one final, thunderous celebration — a perfect ending to a day of friendship and cultural exchange.
Ongoing Cultural Touchpoints (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
These awesome, hands-on stations are where the whole family can play, create, and explore Japanese culture up close! All ages are welcome, and we'll have staff ready to help you out.
-
Kimono/Yukata Photo Nook: Time to dress up! Try on a beautiful traditional Japanese kimono or light, breezy yukata and snap an unforgettable family photo.
-
Calligraphy Name Tags: Get your name written in Japanese! See the art of Shodō (calligraphy) in action and receive your name translated into beautiful Japanese script on a keepsake name tag.
-
Origami Station: Fold paper, make magic! Discover how to transform simple paper into amazing 3-dimensional shapes, creatures, and objects with easy-to-follow guidance to help you create your own shape!
Get Your Noodle on!
You've asked for it—and we're bringing you a double-dose of incredible, next-level noodles! Whether you're craving comfort food or something completely new, you won't leave Touro Park hungry.
First up is Yagi Noodles (operating a food cart from their downtown location). Forget traditional ramen! The menu is boldly American and inspired by Chinese and Japanese comfort foods. Using traditional techniques and the freshest seasonal ingredients, Yagi is famous for serving next-level noodles, all handmade from freshly milled local wheat.
Then, make your way to the Boru Noodles booth. This local favorite brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to Newport (from their popular Broadway spot), specializing in slurp-worthy, scratch-made noodles and flavorful broth. Stop by Boru to enjoy their creative, delicious takes on Japanese and Pan-Asian classics designed to warm your soul and keep you energized for the festival!
Festival Opening Celebration
Join us at the official opening of the Japan-America Friendship Festival at 11:00 AM! We begin with taiko drumming and brief remarks by Newport City officials and delegates from Shimoda followed by a special wreath-laying at the Commodore Perry Statue in Touro Park. This celebration honors the historic bond between Newport and Shimoda, which traces back to Newport native Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his 1854 expedition to Japan. His arrival opened up the ports of Japan, including the city of Shimoda, to foreign trade, forging a lasting connection that continues today in the sister city relationship. Come celebrate this enduring friendship as we kick off the festival!
ShinDaiko Taiko Ensemble
Witness the thunderous, rhythmic art of ShinDaiko, a contemporary taiko ensemble at 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. It’s a powerful blend of ancient tradition and modern creative expression.
Based in the Greater Boston area, ShinDaiko weaves together the raw intensity of Japanese drums with diverse musical influences from jazz, classical music, and martial arts.
Join us to feel the passion and power of taiko!
Cosplay Parade & Family Costume Contest
Unleash your family's creativity at the spirited Cosplay Parade at 12:30 PM! Attendees of all ages, including pets in costume, are invited to showcase their imaginative attire inspired by Japanese animation, manga, and pop culture. This is a marvelous opportunity for families to bond through shared passion and artistry. To enter, assemble under the large tent next to the Commodore Perry Statue. Simple prizes will be awarded across four distinct categories celebrating creativity, including Best Family/Group Theme, Most Creative Pet Costume, Most Inspired Anime/Manga Look, and the Fan's Choice.