[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 95 (Thursday, July 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8415-S8416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL OF RHODE ISLAND

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the Japan-
America Society of Rhode Island for its efforts in organizing this 
weekend's 15th annual Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island.
  The Black Ships Festival takes its name from the Japanese word 
Kurofune (Black Ships) which the residents of Shimoda, Japan used to 
describe the tar covered American ships which sailed into Shimoda 
harbor under the command of Rhode Island native Commodore Matthew Perry 
in 1854. As you know, Commodore Perry and officials in the Edo Period 
Shogunate negotiated the Treaty of Kanagawa, the first treaty between 
United States and Japan, which opened Japan to trade with the West and 
marked the beginning of the relationship between our two great 
countries.

[[Page S8416]]

  Each summer, Newport, Rhode Island and Shimoda, her sister city, hold 
Black Ships Festivals to celebrate the friendship which began in 1854. 
Since its inception 15 years ago, the Black Ships Festival of Rhode 
Island has grown bigger and better every year, becoming a fixture on 
Newport's summer schedule and an event that the entire state eagerly 
awaits.
  The Festival truly is one of Rhode Island's treasures. It provides 
residents and visitors to the Ocean State a unique and inexpensive 
opportunity to learn about and celebrate Japan's traditions and 
culture. As a result, I can honestly say that our state has gained a 
better awareness than most of Japanese culture.
  The success of the Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island is now 
recognized far beyond the borders of the Ocean State. On July 1, the 
Japan-America Society of Rhode Island was selected to receive the 
prestigious Japanese ``Minister of Foreign Affairs' Citation'', which 
recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to 
friendship and understanding between Japan and other countries. Of the 
9 organizations receiving this award in 1998, the Japan-America Society 
is the only one that is not Japanese.
  Mr. President, as the Co-Chair of this year's Black Ships Festival of 
Rhode Island, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Japan 
America Society of Rhode Island for its tremendous efforts in 
organizing the Festival and strengthening the bond friendship between 
the United States and Japan.

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