Japan-America Society of Southern New England (JASNE)
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Founded in 2018
Past Events
Members of JASNE participated in wonderful get-togethers throughout southern New England
October 26, 2025
We held an amazing gathering of thirteen New England Japan-focused Nonprofits along with the Consul General of Japan in Boston, two national organizations, educators, and businesses who are united in our desire to improve the US-Japan relationship and improve the understanding of people in the New England region about Japan, Japanese culture, and New England’s importance in the history of US-Japan relations. We got to know each other, what each of us are doing, learned how we can support and promote each other, and where we can work together.
It was a wonderful day. Thanks to our conference co-chairs and their team of volunteers who made this happen and to the National Association of Japan-America Societies who provided the grant with funding from the Embassy of Japan.
Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry Memorial Ceremony
October 26, 2025
JASNE, City of Newport RI, and the Shimoda delegation held a solemn ceremony at the gravesite of Newport-native Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry on Sunday morning. Commodore Perry is most famous for his 1852-1854 expedition to Japan and for signing the Treaty of Peace and Amity (aka the Kanagawa Treaty) with Japan on 31 March 1854. That treaty was the first treaty the “closed nation” of Japan signed with another country. It opened the country to trade with America at two ports. Perry’s Black Ships entered the first one—Shimoda—in May 1854.
October 25, 2025
Our first annual Japan-America Friendship Festival was a tremendous success thanks to our volunteers, our performers (Gendo Taiko, ShinDaiko, Suiō-ryū Iai Kenpō of Rhode Island, and Okaze), our vendors (particularly Yagi Noodles), and everyone who enjoyed the day!
Deepest appreciation to Japan Foundation, New York for providing the financial support to make this happen and to the City of Newport RI for working closely with us through their Sister City Commission!!!
This program was also supported by a grant from the National Association of Japan-America Societies, Inc., with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC
Reception for U.S. Service Members who served in Japan at Consul General Takahashi's Residence
September 13, 2025
Many of us gathered at the residence of Japan's Consul General in Boston and enjoyed his hospitality, great food, interesting speeches, and fellowship
Summer Party
August 9, 2025
We gathered in East Greenwich, RI, and enjoyed great food, entertainment, and fellowship
Farewell to NWC Graduates
June 5, 2025
At the deck of the Officers Club on Naval Station Newport, RI, we said farewell to our members who were graduating from the Naval War College.
Perry & Cherry Event
May 9, 2025
We held an event at the Naval War College Museum to appreciate the cherry blossoms on the trees on its lawn and to learn about the history of the friendship between our two countries.
April 24-25, 2025
Members of JASNE attended and volunteered at the large Japan-focused festival that occurs every April in Boston Commons. We intend to model our Japan-America Friendship Festival in October as a small-town version of this wonderful festival.
Japan Day at the RI State House
April 1, 2025
The Rhode Island House and Senate declared March 31, 2025, "Japan Day" in honor of the close friendship between our countries that started with Rhode Island-native Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry's expedition to Japan and the signing of the Kanagawa Treaty on March 31, 1854
Manjiro Trail Tour
March 29, 2025
Members of JASNE/JANAFA-Newport toured the Manjiro Trail and visited the Whitfield Manjiro Friendship House Museum in Fairhaven, MA. Gerry and Ayako Rooney did a great job!!!
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony
December 5, 2024
The JMSDF members of JASNE organize and run a ceremony annually at the Naval War College. The ceremony remembers those who died on December 7, 1941, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and also focuses on the decades after the war as Japan and the U.S. became close friends and allies.
