About the 2024 Festival
Studio10 - Tue, August 13th 2024 at 9:13 AM
[Click on the image above to see the segment.]
In this segment of Studio10, host Mario Hilario is learning all about the 41st Black Ships Festival.
The festival goes on from August 16th through the 18th. The Japan-American Society of Rhode Island strives to help connect the people of Japan, Rhode Island, and other parts of Southern New England.
August 16th – 18th, 2024 in Bristol and Newport, Rhode Island
Don’t miss this weekend for a series of joyful community events where immersive cultural attractions and art experiences await. Join folks who are just like you… curious about Asian cultures!
Highlights of the 2024 Black Ships Festival
• Festival Opening Ceremony - Friday, August 16th, 2024; 10:00am - Rockwell Park, Bristol
You’re invited! Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Rhode Island’s native son, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opened trade between Japan and the United States. Wreath-laying and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Colors will be presented by the Bristol Police Color Guard. Free, family-friendly event.
• Sushi Sake Sail I - Friday, August 16th, 2024; 2pm – 4pm - Goat Island Marina
Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year!
• Taiko Drum Performance - Friday, August 16, 2024; 6:30pm - Rockwell Park, Bristol
Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese art form that combines music and dance. There will be several taiko drumming performances throughout the festival. Free, family-friendly event.
• Cultural Marketplace Fair - Saturday, August 17th, 2024; 10:00am-3:00pm - Independence Park, Bristol
Have a blast at one of the Ocean State's most enjoyable family events overlooking Narragansett Bay. Experience fun at our Cultural Marketplace Fair filled with traditional Japanese arts and entertainment, martial arts including karate, judo, and kendo, ancient craft demonstrations, tasty food, one-of-a-kind shopping and souvenirs, kid's hands-on crafts & Cosplay Costume Contest - all with a distinctly Asian twist. Free, family-friendly event.
• Black Ships Festival Gala - Saturday, August 17th, 2024; 6:30pm-10:30pm - Ochre Court, Newport
Never been to a Newport gala? This will be one not to miss! Celebrate the 41st Anniversary of the Black Ships Festival with seaside glamour at Ochre Court along Cliff Walk in Newport, RI with its grandeur adding an alluring charm to the festivities. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture.
The Gala includes dancing, an Open Bar, wines by Shaw-Ross International Importers, and outstanding cultural cuisine with a Japanese flare. Begin the evening with the breaking of the Ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake. Enjoy an exclusive taiko drumming presentation. Outstanding sit-down dinner by Audrain Hospitality. Gala is Presented by Toray Plastics (America).
• Commodore Perry Memorial Ceremony - Sunday, August 18th, 2024; 9:30am - Island Cemetery, Newport
Be a part of history! Join us on Sunday at 9:00am for the 41st Annual Commodore Perry Wreath Ceremony. This year's ceremony will be even more special as we celebrate the long-term friendship between the United States and Japan. The general public is invited to attend.
• Sushi Sake Sail II - Sunday, August 18th, 2024; 12:00pm – 2:00pm - Goat Island Marina
Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships. View Newport harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample some great sushi. Space is limited to 68 people. A sellout every year!
Ready to have fun celebrating at our inspiring, informative, insanely cool Black Ships Festival in RI this August? The festival has the unexpected side effect of shortening the distance between the Islands of Japan and the Ocean State!
The Black Ships Festival events are a great opportunity to learn about Asian culture and have some fun with your family. So come on down and join us!
Family-friendly events that bring communities together are more important than ever. From the local masters of traditional arts and crafts to the edgiest new innovators, JASRI’s Black Ships Festival has created a powerful platform for engaging with Japan’s creative expressions. The artwork and events are for people to connect, share stories, and collaborate with other makers and businesses inspiring others to share their passions with the local community.
Celebrate Asian Culture at the Black Ships Festival - Cultural Marketplace Fair!
The Black Ships Festival's Cultural Marketplace Fair will have a full day of activities and entertainment for the whole family. Immerse yourself in Asian culture with traditional drumming, origami folding, and a chance to meet your favorite superheroes and princesses. And don't forget to enter the first Kid's 12 and Under Cosplay costume contest!
Here's what you can expect:
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Traditional Drumming: Get your groove on with performances of outstanding Taiko Drumming.
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Enjoy the US Navy Band: Toe-tapping music begins at 1:00 PM
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Origami Folding: Learn how to fold your own origami paper cranes, flowers, and more.
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Martial Arts Demonstrations: learn about the ways of the mind, body and spirit through many unique forms of multi-disciplinary martial arts from area schools, clubs and dojos.
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Tea Ceremony: The traditional ceremony, or sadō (茶道), is a centuries-old ritual that is meant to be a peaceful and meditative experience.
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Demonstrations of "Ikebana" and "Kokedama" by the Bristol Garden Club: the Japanese art of flower arranging and Kokedama involves growing plants in balls of moss.
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Kids 12 and Under Cosplay Costume Contest: Cosplay is a popular hobby in Japan, enter the first kid's cosplay costume contest and bring your dog in costume too for a chance to win prizes.
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Join in the Kendama Competition:
Kendama is a traditional Japanese skill toy consisting of a handle and a ball connected together by a string. Learn to perform these tricks as skillfully and creatively as possible.
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And much more! There will be food trucks, games, and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Have a blast at our family-friendly Black Ships Festival in Bristol and Newport, RI this summer.
2024 Past Events see Below
10:00 AM Welcome - JASRI and The Ohisama Club
Team Chiho will lead the festivities as we celebrate Summer in beautiful Bristol Harbor.
10:30 AM Okinawan Temple Karate - Stimulating Your Mind & Body
This workshop will help coordination and motor skills while exercising mind and body. By Okinawan Temple Karate and Master Al Gagne.
10:45 AM – The Ohisama Club - Team Chiho will demonstrate traditional Japanese crafts.
11:00 AM Japanese Ikebana and Kokedama Demonstration
Representatives of the Bristol Garden Club will demonstrate the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging.
11:15 AM - Taiko Drumming With Odaiko New England
Get ready to experience the infectious rhythms of the taiko, said to be the voice and spirit of the Japanese. Odaiko New England will be bringing their energy to the Black Ships Festival again this year with their powerful and exciting taiko drumming performances. These amazing drummers will make you want to jump up and dance, clap, and stomp along! It's a show you won't want to miss!
11:30 AM Okinawan Temple Karate - Stimulating Your Mind & Body
This workshop will help coordination and motor skills while exercising mind and body. By Okinawan Temple Karate and Master Al Gagne.
11:45 AM Kendama Contest – Practice Session
Try your hand at the stylish Kendama, a wooden skill toy originally played during the Edo period in Japan, which has a ball and a stick connected by a string. There are endless trick possibilities for both the beginner and the seasoned master. Come and practice for the Kendama Contest held at 12:45 PM.
12:00 PM Cosplay Costume Contest – Team Chiho With Prizes
Dress up as your favorite anime, manga, or video game character and show off your creative side! We'll have prizes for the coolest costumes. Kids 12 and under are welcome to participate. So grab your favorite outfit and join the fun!
12:15 PM Feel the beat of Japan! Taiko Drumming With Odaiko New England
Get ready to experience the infectious rhythms of the taiko, said to be the voice and spirit of the Japanese. Odaiko New England will be bringing their energy to the Black Ships Festival again this year with their powerful and exciting taiko drumming performances. These amazing drummers will make you want to jump up and dance, clap, and stomp along! It's a show you won't want to miss!
12:30 PM Japanese Ikebana and Kokedama Demonstration
Representatives of the Bristol Garden Club will demonstrate the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging.
12:45 PM Annual Kendama Contest With Prizes
Try your hand at the stylish Kendama, a wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It can be played by young and old alike and even better…it strengthens hand eye coordination, balance, and reflex. There are endless trick possibilities for both the beginner and the seasoned master.
1:00 PM USA Navy Ceremonial Band
Get ready to rock the harbor! The US Navy Band is bringing the beats to the Black Ships Festival! With over 20 musicians, this high-energy performance is perfect for the whole family. So grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a fun-filled afternoon of music that will have you dancing in the park.
2:00 PM- Taiko Drumming With Odaiko New England
Get ready to experience the infectious rhythms of the taiko, said to be the voice and spirit of the Japanese. Odaiko New England will be bringing their energy to the Black Ships Festival again this year with their powerful and exciting taiko drumming performances. These amazing drummers will make you want to jump up and dance, clap, and stomp along! It's a show you won't want to miss!
2:15 PM Kaji Aso Studio (Boston) Demonstration of a traditional Tea Ceremony In the Grove
Unwind and Experience Serenity: Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Savor the delicate flavors of matcha while appreciating the beauty of simplicity. It's a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle! Find inner peace in this tranquil oasis.
2:30 PM Japanese Ikebana and Kokedama Demonstration
Representatives of the Bristol Garden Club will demonstrate the traditional Japanese art of Kokedama.
2:45 PM – Closing Parade – The Ohisama Club
Team Chiho will lead the fairgoers in a finale parade as we close the Fair.
Ongoing Cultural Craft Demonstrations
The Japanese Consulate Tent- Consulate-General of Japan in Boston
Celebrate Summer like they do in Japan. Join staff and volunteers from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston for summer festival activities. Celebrate the summer holiday of Tanabata by writing a wish on a paper streamer and hanging it from bamboo branches. Kids can try their hand at the typical summer festival games of Kendama (ball and cup) and learn Origami.
JASRI Little Hands Craft Tent & Kimono Experience
Come explore the wonderful world of Japan with us! Kids can unleash their creativity at our fun-filled craft tent. Learn the ancient art of origami and fold your own paper creations. Try your hand at Japanese calligraphy and write your name in beautiful characters. Make a special Tanabata Wish on a colorful strip of paper and hang it on our bamboo tree for good luck!
Take home a piece of Japan to treasure. Let's have fun and create together!
Taiwanese Dragon Boat Display
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
In Asian culture, the classic Dragon rides the clouds in the sky and commands the wind, mist and rain … a revered symbol of strength and power. Come see the Dragon Boat with ornately carved dragon's head and tail, used as a way of appeasing the rain gods.
We hope it works!
Rogers Free Library
Stories transport children to different worlds, stimulating their imagination and creativity. Japanese children have a deep appreciation for storytelling, and Storytime holds a special place in their hearts. Would you like to know more about specific types of Japanese children's stories or Storytime traditions? Stop by!
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation
Engaging families in waste reduction efforts fosters a sense of community responsibility and environmental stewardship. And educating children about recycling and composting helps create a future generation of environmentally conscious citizens., and Super Hero MaxMan will be on hand!
Food Trucks
A Mano Pizza + Gelato Food Truck
La Costa Lobster & Tacos Food Truck
No Joke Smoke BBQ
Vendors
JFD woodworking
Heavy Metal Animals
Jacqueline Drake Art
N2N Studio Jewelry
R Golden Designs
RIHI (Rhode Island Home Improvement)
RousHé LLC Makeup
Sassy Sparkles $5 Jewelry
WSJPottery
We sincerely appreciate all of our supporters.
JASRI is privileged to have remarkable support from the City of Newport and the Town of Bristol, in particular, the commitment of Steven Contente, Bristol town administrator; Bristol Police Department, Board of Fire Engineers; Bristol Fire Department and Emergency Rescue Service, as well as the Bristol Parks and Recreation Board and Department of Public Works for ensuring that everyone’s safety at the festival as well as their encouragement.
We are grateful for the help of volunteers from the Naval War College and Roger Williams University in Bristol, as well as students of the Bryant University marketing department for their valuable insights. Thank you to our JASRI members and volunteers for all your hard work.
JASRI would like to thank the Bristol and Newport small businesses and Rhode Island community members for 42 years of support. Your enthusiasm for the Black Ships Festival is what makes the weekend so special as a community celebration.
Volunteers Are Always Welcome - Help Us At The Black Ships Festival Events
