The coastal city of Shimoda, Japan, once again became a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and commemoration as it marked the 171st anniversary of a pivotal moment in U.S.-Japan relations with its annual Black Ship Festival.

This three-day event honors Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival in 1853 and the subsequent Treaty of Peace and Amity, which brought an end to over two centuries of Japanese isolation and laid the groundwork for a strong bilateral partnership that persists today.

Over 200,000 visitors were drawn to the 85th iteration of the festival, revelling in a weekend steeped in history with parades, fireworks, and music. A guided-missile destroyer, USS Higgins, was scheduled to visit local elementary schools to foster community ties, but adverse weather thwarted these plans. Still, the USS Warrior’s visit to another historical port, Hakodate, captured the spirit of remembrance and diplomacy.

Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, commander of Naval Forces Japan, encapsulated the essence of the festival during the opening ceremony, saying, “The arrival of Commodore Perry’s expedition not only heralded the beginning of a vibrant exchange between our two nations but also laid the foundation for the enduring partnership that defines our relationship today.”

Simultaneously, the Black Ships Festival resonates on the other side of the Pacific in Rhode Island, where the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island (JASRI) prepares for the 41st edition of its own annual event. With interactive exhibits, Japanese arts, and community activities, the festival in August aims to bridge cultures and foster lasting peace through deeper cultural understanding.

JASRI’s celebration looks to create a dynamic panorama of Japanese culture, promising an experience that includes traditional performances, workshops, and community connections. The upcoming event will also feature a gala to celebrate the enduring U.S.-Japan friendship, honoring the past while looking forward to a shared future.

The festival’s importance goes beyond cultural festivities, also acting as a symbol of the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. Naoki Ishii, mayor of Shimoda, expressed his community’s respect for the shared history by maintaining memorials for U.S. sailors from Perry’s time.

The Shimoda Black Ship Festival has become an essential fixture, not only for the local community but also for visiting U.S. sailors, such as those from the USS McCampbell. Engineman First Class William Rivera reflected on the warmth and hospitality of Shimoda’s people, citing the touching interactions between sailors and local schoolchildren.

The historical significance of these events is not lost on the participants. As Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan, noted, the Treaty of Peace and Amity was “the beginning of what has grown to be a priceless relationship.”

The festivals represent more than a mere retelling of history; they are living testaments to the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. Each year, these celebrations not only commemorate a watershed diplomatic moment but also foster an ongoing cultural exchange, honoring a partnership that has thrived for over a century and a half. As attendees from both nations engage in this shared celebration, the festivals stand as a bridge between the past and the present, a reminder of the enduring bonds formed through mutual respect and shared experiences.

Relevant articles:
– Black Ship Festival marks 171st anniversary of Commodore Perry’s landing in Japan, Stars and Stripes
– Black Ships Festival / Japan-America Society of Rhode Island, jasri.org
– U.S., Japan bond honored at 73rd Shimoda Black Ship Festival, DVIDS
– Festival marks 150th anniversary of Commodore Perry’s landing, Stars and Stripes