A century and a half ago, Newport’s own Commodore Matthew C. Perry established friendly trade relations with the Japanese. Until the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, the islands had been sealed to the West, but the “Black Ships” of the US Navy gave the rest of the world the chance to experience the arts, culture, cuisine, and heritage of the Japanese islands. Every year Newport celebrates the Black Ships festival, a four-day event that lets visitors see, sample, and experience authentic Japanese arts, foods, performances, and traditions.

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The Sushi & Sake Sail tour returns to the Black Ships Festival on Thursday, July 14 to kick off the 22nd annual celebration, and due to its past popularity, a second sail will take place on Sunday, July 17. Visitors can sail aboard the 101’ schooner Tall Ship Aurora and see the sights of Narragansett Bay while sampling Sumo Sushi and sipping premium sake from Gekkeikan. Sumo Sushi, located at 198 Thames Street, will be providing the sushi for this fantastic sail. This unique sail only happens twice each year during the Black Ships Festival. The Thursday, July 14th sail departs from Goat Island at 4:00pm and returns at 6:00pm. The Sunday, July 17th sail leaves at 2:00pm and returns at 4:00pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event, if tickets are still available. Each sail is limited to 78 passengers and sells out every year so be sure to plan ahead.

The Aurora is Newport’s largest and best-equipped charter schooner, and her trademark red sails are a Newport icon. This classic wooden sailing vessel offers a spacious deck plan with comfortable seating and walking space.

Back on land, don’t miss the incredible opportunity to celebrate the sport and spirit of Sumo Wrestling. Sumo is a competitive sport similar to wrestling that has been practiced for thousands of years. Sumo Wrestlers tend to be very large because the wrestler’s ability to administer his weight for added power and strength is key in competition. Also, as in all martial arts in Japan, courtesy and ritual are respected and followed.

Hawaiian Sumo Wrestlers Ace Yonamine (420 lbs!) and Bumbo Kalima (375 lbs!) will visit Newport to share Japan’s national sport with us. These popular athletes will first demonstrate their skills on Friday, July 15 at 3:30pm in Brick Market Place. Sumo instructor John Jacques will discuss training techniques, Ace and Bumbo will wrestle, and a special children’s workshop will give kids the chance to challenge these gentle giants. The sumo wrestlers will also demonstrate their skills at Brick Market Place on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 at 11:00am. There will be a Sumo Meet & Greet Saturday, July 16 at Brick Market Place at 2:00pm. Additional chances to watch the wrestlers demonstrate sumo moves will come before both of the performance of the Taiko Drum Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 16 at 6:00pm at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Sunday, July 17 at 12:00pm at Cardine’s Field.

Ace is a former Professional Sumo Wrestler in Japan who trained in the same stable as Akebono. Ace is a father of three and now enjoys an acting career. You may have seen him play a football player under the guidance of Gene Hackman in The Replacements or in the sequel Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. Bumbo was a professional sumo wrestler in Japan for four years with the Magaki Stable. His fighting name was Waka Chikara, which means “young power”. He was just recently married and will be visiting Newport, RI for the first time for the Black Ships Festival.

Then, the incredible Taiko Drum Festival will return to the Black Ships festival, after sold-out performances for the past seven years. Originally regarded as sacred, Taiko drumming dates back to ancient times when the “Taiko,” or Japanese drum, was first used to drive away evil spirits. During droughts in ancient Japan, farmers would play drums to imitate the sounds of thunder, forcing the spirit of rain into action. Drumming was also used as a means of practical communication. A rural village would establish its boundaries by how far villagers could hear the largest drum. Taiko has been used in battlefields, religious ceremonies, and festivals for over two thousand years in Japan. Today, Taiko uses extensive physical and mental conditioning to forge a group, which works synergistically to create the vibrant sound, and powerful rhythms that characterize the art.

Matsuriza Taiko Group is led by Takemasa Ishikura, the fourth son of a Taiko playing family. His oldest brother was one of the founding members of Sukeroku Daiko, which is known throughout Japan as one of the leading Taiko groups. Matsuriza performs regularly at Disney’s Epcot Center in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. They are traveling a great distance to celebrate the 22nd Annual Black Ships festival. Their performance promises to be a treat for the eyes and ears!

This group emphasizes speed, fluidity and power, and when combined with their choreographed movements, create performances rich in sight and sound. The group will dazzle audiences with their amazing talents, putting together a performance that illustrates the awesome power of the taiko drummers. Matsuriza Taiko Group is one of the world’s leading taiko groups and will mesmerize audiences with their creative program. The festival has two missions. First, to bring an exciting and fun Japanese cultural experience to the people of Newport. Secondly, to augment and enhance the existing cultural, educational, and economic programs between Japan and the United States by celebrating the historic achievements of Commodore Perry. One of the largest Festivals of its kind, the Black Ships Festival attracts over 20,000 people annually. Attendees include local residents, as well as groups from throughout the Northeast, particularly Boston and New York. Numerous delegations from Japan also attend, including visitors from Newport’s sister city, Shimoda, and Commodore Perry’s historic ports of call: Ogasawara, Okinawa, Hakodate, Miura, and Yokosuka. The Festival’s distinguished invited guests include the Ambassador of Japan, Consul General of Japan, the Governor of Rhode Island, the Mayors of Japanese cities that Commodore Perry visited, Rhode Island delegates, United States Navy Officers and Rhode Island Military Officers. In 1984, Newport held its first annual Black Ships Festival, co-founded by Rhode Island delegates and Mr. and Mrs. Sohiko Yamada of Tokyo. It was inspired by the 45th annual Black Ships Festival held in Shimoda, Japan, Newport’s sister city. Now in its 66th year, Japan’s Festival is held annually in May to honor Commodore Perry’s historical accomplishments. Perry’s ships were called kurofune, which means “Black Ships”, giving the name of this festival.

Black Ships Festival 2006 Events

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Newport Tokyo House
11:30AM to 3:00PM • 6 Equality Park Place Black Ships Festival Bento Box Special. Come and enjoy a traditional Bento Box and receive a complimentary Sake and cup. $9.95

Sushi Demonstration
2:00PM • Newport Tokyo House • 6 Equality Park Place Observe the art of creating this Japanese delicacy.

Sushi Sail 4:00PM to 6:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA Sail aboard one of the magnificent Tall Ships, the 101' Schooner Aurora. View Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi from Newport's Sumo Sushi. Space is limited to 78 people. A sellout every year! Sponsored by IDC, The Newport Experience. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event (if available). For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.

Sushi & Sake Tasting
5:00PM to 9:00PM • RHINO BAR AND GRILL Experience the taste of Sushi & Sake. $6 for tasting.

Japanese Tea Tasting
5:00PM to 6:00PM • BRICK MARKET Presented by Tea on Thames. Elegant Tea Room with Tea Sandwiches, Fine Pastries and Gifts.

Navy Northeast Band Salutes Black Ships
6:00PM • BRICK MARKET • FREE Clap your hands, stomp your feet to the charms of New Orleans. Navy Band Northeast's Dixeland Band will delight you with their renditions of American Jazz.

Open House at the Newport Aikikai
7:15PM to 8:45PM • 741 EAST MAIN ROAD Open house featuring an advanced training session.

Karaoke at RI Quahog Company
10:00PM • 250 THAMES STREET Enjoy the American style of a fun Japanese past time.

Friday, July 21

Festival Opening Ceremonies
10:30AM • TOURO PARK, BELLEVUE AVENUE Colorful ceremonies to commemorate Newport'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 at Commodore Perry's statue and speeches by American and Japanese dignitaries. Navy color guard and band. Newport Artillery Co. will fire cannon salutes. Rain location: Newport Art Museum, Bellevue Avenue.

Sumo Demonstration & Childrens Workshop
3:30PM to 4:30PM • BRICK MARKET Two huge, powerful athletes demonstrate Japan's national sport, sumo. Led by sumo instructor John Jacques.

Sushi & Sake Tasting
5:00PM to 10:00PM • RHINO BAR AND GRILL Experience the taste of Sushi & Sake. $6 for tasting.

Sushi Demonstrations with Sushi-Go
5:00PM • SUSHI-GO AT BRICK MARKET Informative demonstration on the history and preparation of sushi. "2005 Winner RI Monthly's Best of RI"

Governor's Black Ships Festival Gala
7:00PM • The Chanler, Newport, RI Step into the elegant grounds of the Chanler at Cliffwalk, an exquisite restored mansion-turned hotel, over looking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean for a formal gala honoring the Black Ships Festival and the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa. Enjoy a unique evening that fuses both Japanese and American culture. The Gala includes music, dancing, a Martini Bar presented by the Perfect 1864 Vodka, an Open Bar, and delectable food prepared under the direction of Kyle Ketchum, executive chef of the Spiced Pear restaurant who brings more than 15 years of culinary experience to the Chanler. Begin the evening with the breaking of the ceremonial Sake Drum filled with Gekkeikan Sake followed by two special performances, Epcot Center's Taiko Drummers, Matsuriza and IchiFuji-Kai dance association. IchiFuji-Kai's dance performance will include Sakura, Sakura, Kuroda Bushi and Shichi Fukujin. $150 per person. Black Tie/Kimonos. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720. Presented by Toray Plastics America and co-sponsored by Dynamic Strategies Asia. Credit cards accepted.

Saturday, July 22

Tea Tasting
11:00AM to 5:00PM • TEA & HERB ESSENCE • 475 THAMES STREET Join us for a tea tasting celebration with green teas from Asia and Japan. (Free) Feng shui cures and appointments for Reiki sessions available. (401) 847-7423.

Sushi & Sake Tasting
12:00PM to 5:00PM • RHINO BAR AND GRILL Experience the taste of Sushi & Sake. $6 for tasting.

RIIFF Japanese Film Festival 2006
12:00pm to 4:00pm • The Redwood Library The Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Redwood Library are proud to salute the Black Ships Festival and present its sidebar Japanese Film Festival presenting films from Japan highlighting the Japanese culture. Program developed and curated by James Hinsey. Free

Arts & Crafts Fair
10:00AM to 4:00PM • Touro Park Touro Park on Bellevue Avenue is transformed into a Japanese-American Cultural Center, featuring demonstrations, workshops, and displays.

Hospitality Booth
11:00am to 4:00pm • The Japanese Consulate Tent Learn how to write your name in Japanese. View Japanese traditional toy exhibit and ask questions about Japan and the JET Program.

Kite Making Workshop
10:30AM • Children learn to build a kite with the help of representatives from Newport's Sister City Shimoda, Japan. (Limited to 50 children only)

SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
11:00AM to 12:00PM • LAWN Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.

Feng Shui with Stephen Devine
11:15 AM to 12:15PM • Stephen Devine will offer a practical step-by-step approach in applying the principles of Feng Shui.

Origami Crane
11:30 AM Watch Origami created out of colored sugar instead of traditional paper

Newport Martial Arts
12:00PM • LAWN Newport Martial Arts will provide a demonstration of Oki-Ryu Kenpo Karate. Unlike many systems that emphasize one particular type of technique (kicking, throwing, etc.), Oki Ryu is balanced to encompass upper body, lower body, throwing, and joint locks. Students of all ages and levels will demonstrate Team Forms, Individual Forms, Weapons, Self-Defense techniques, Sparring, and Board Breaking

Ninja Demonstration
12:00PM to 1:00PM • LAWN R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.

Calligraphy & Sumi Painting Demonstration
12:00PM to 1:00PM • A demonstration led by Ms. Kate Finnegan of Kaji Aso Studio, Institute for the Arts.

Sushi Making Demonstration
12:30PM • Haruki Restaurant of Cranston demonstrates.

Multimedia Presentation on Japan
12:30PM • Experience the sights, sounds (and even a few tastes!) of a virtual trip to Japan. Join Steve Fagan, a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar, as he shares his recent immersive journey into the culture of Japan, as well as information about the educational system, government and industry of Japan. You can also travel along with him in his "virtual suitcase" on the web at: http://www.drummath.homestead.com/japan.html.

Sumi-e Painting
1:00PM to 2:00PM • Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.

Aikido Demonstration
1:00PM to 3:00PM • LAWN Newport Aikikai welcomes you for on-going demonstrations of the modern martial art of Aikido. Aikido blends mind, body and spirit. Reflexive in nature, it is a non-violent martial art that is ethically linked to defense against an unprovoked attack. Aikido teaches people sincerity and compassion, and helps a person to realize their own potential as a human being.

Tea Ceremony
1:30PM • LAWN A special demonstration of the centuries old "CHA-DO" (Way of the Tea) by Urasenke, Boston Chapter.

Origami Workshop for Children
2:00PM • Kids will enjoy learning to fold paper to make simple objects and animals

Academy of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu
2:30 PM Watch various techniques and style of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu

Calligraphy Writing
2:30PM • Have your name written in Chinese by Mr. Shinji from Newport's Sister City, Shimoda.

Acupuncture Demonstration
2:30PM to 3:15PM • LAWN Jody Erickson, Doctor of Acupuncture will demonstrate and discuss different modalities of Oriental medicines

Origami Crane
2:45 PM Watch Origami created out of colored sugar instead of traditional paper

Ikebana Demonstration
3:30PM • Learn the Japanese art of flower arranging with Mrs. Shinji from Newport's Sister City, Shimoda.

TOURO PARK ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS

· Maxx & Personalized Rice
· Haruki Japanese Restaurant
· Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
· Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
· Nakaima Japanese Acupuncture with Dr. Jody Erickson
· Reiki Jin Kei Do The Newport Center and Katherine Harrop,, Reiki Master demonstrates this unique form of energy transfer.
· Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios
· IACE Travel Boston
· Origami Crane by Sugarworks,LLC

Japanese-American Market Brick Market Saturday, July 22, 10:00am to 4:00pm Demonstrations & Workshops

Sumo Demonstration
11:00AM • BRICK MARKET Come and watch these huge, powerful athletes demonstrate Japan's national sport, sumo. Their presence at the festival always gathers a huge crowd of awe-inspired watchers and leaves a lasting impression with festival attendants.

Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:15AM to 12:45PM • BRICK MARKET Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga) have become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Learn and ask questions about these two unique art forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.

Bonsai Demonstration
12:00PM • BRICK MARKET See the art of Bonsai cutting and trimming. Presented by New England Bonsai.

Japanese Dance performance by IchiFuji-kai
1:00PM • BRICK MARKET Come and join dancers from IchiFuji-Kai, New York City's resident Kabuki dance troupe, as they dance for you, and then show you how to do some of the dances of Bon Odori that come from different areas of Japan. No dance experience is necessary- just have fun!!

Sumo Demonstration
1:15PM • BRICK MARKET Come and watch these huge, powerful athletes demonstrate Japan's national sport, sumo. Their presence at the festival always gathers a huge crowd of awe-inspired watchers and leaves a lasting impression with festival attendants. Presented by Brick Market Merchants.

Newport Martial Arts
2:00PM • BRICK MARKET Newport Martial Arts will provide a demonstration of Oki-Ryu Kenpo Karate. Unlike many systems that emphasize one particular type of technique (kicking, throwing, etc.), Oki Ryu is balanced to encompass upper body, lower body, throwing, and joint locks. Students of all ages and levels will demonstrate Team Forms, Individual Forms, Weapons, Self-Defense techniques, Sparring, and Board Breaking

Feng Shui with Stephen Devine
2:15 PM to 3:45PM • BRICK MARKET Stephen Devine will offer a practical step-by-step approach in applying the principles of Feng Shui.

Ninja Demonstration
2:30PM • BRICK MARKET R.I. Ninjutsu Center will demonstrate this secretive form of martial arts that has lasted more than 900 years.

BRICK MARKET ON-GOING ACTIVITES & DISPLAYS

· Maxx & Personalized Rice
· Anime Portraits by Ed Sutherland
· Oriental Arts Display

Taiko Drum Festival
6:00PM • Newport Yachting Center The Taiko Drum Festival presented by ABC6. The evening begins with a special Sumo wrestling demonstration by two powerful athletes from the Hawaiian Sumo Organization, led by sumo instructor John Jacques. Then Matsuriza Taiko Group, one of the world's leading Taiko groups from Disney's Epcot Center, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. A favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! Tickets $15 Adult/$5 Child. Tickets available at: The Gateway Center, MWR ITT - Newport Navy Base, the Music Box and the Festival Office, 28 Pelham St. or call (401) 846-2720.

Sunday, July 23

Memorial Ceremonies
10:00AM • ISLAND CEMETERY, FAREWELL STREET Wreath ceremony at Perry's tomb by American and Japanese dignitaries. Marine Corps color guard and bugler.

Tea Tasting
11:00AM to 5:00PM • TEA & HERB ESSENCE • 475 THAMES STREET Join us for a tea tasting celebration with green teas from Asia and Japan. (Free) Feng Shui cures and appointments for Reiki sessions available. (401) 847-7423.

Taiko Drum Festival
12:00PM • Freebody Park The Matsuriza Taiko Group, one of the world's leading Taiko groups, will dazzle you with their electrifying drums. A favorite of fans from the many cultures and countries where they have performed, they mesmerize listeners with their speed, power, dramatic choreography and sound. Don't miss this amazing group! $8.00 Adult/$4.00 Child.

Sushi & Sake Tasting
12:00PM to 8:00PM • RHINO BAR AND GRILL Experience the taste of Sushi & Sake. $6 for tasting.

RIIFF Japanese Film Festival 2006 (Anime Day)
1:00pm to 4:30pm • The Redwood Library The Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Redwood Library are proud to salute the Black Ships Festival and present its sidebar Japanese Film Festival presenting films from Japan highlighting the Japanese culture. Anime Day is Sunday with the best of old and new Anime films. Program developed and curated by James Hinsey. Free

Sushi Sail II
2:00PM to 4:00PM • GOAT ISLAND MARINA Enjoy the experience of the magnificent Tall Ship, the 101' schooner Aurora, in Newport Harbor as you sip sake from Gekkeikan and sample sushi from Newport's Sumo Sushi. $30 per person in advance and $35 day of the event if available. For tickets, call (401) 846-2720.

Japanese-American Market Brick Market On-Going Activities and Displays Sunday, July 23 11:00am to 4:00pm Demonstrations & Workshops

Sumo Demonstration
11:00AM • BRICK MARKET Come and watch these huge, powerful athletes demonstrate Japan's national sport, sumo. Their presence at the festival always gathers a huge crowd of awe-inspired watchers and leaves a lasting impression with festival attendants.

Anime & Manga Demonstration
11:00AM to 12:15PM • BRICK MARKET Japanese animation (anime) and comics (manga) have become very popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Learn and ask questions about these two unique art forms, and learn how to draw an anime-style character of your own. Presented by Ed Sutherland.

SHORIN-RYU Demonstration
12:00PM • BRICK MARKET Okinawan Temple School demonstrates traditional martial arts of Okinawa, Japan.

Sumi-e Painting Demonstration
12:30PM to 1:30PM • BRICK MARKET Jan Zaremba, Master of oriental painting will demonstrate. His works have been exhibited all over the world.

Japanese Dance performance by IchiFuji-kai
1:00PM • Come and watch classical Japanese dance performances such as Bon Odori performed by IchiFuji-kai

Origami Crane
1:00 PM Watch Origami created out of colored sugar instead of traditional paper

Origami Workshop for Children
1:30PM • Kids will enjoy learning to fold paper to make simple objects and animals

Newport Martial Arts
2:00PM • BRICK MARKET Newport Martial Arts will provide a demonstration of Oki-Ryu Kenpo Karate. Unlike many systems that emphasize one particular type of technique (kicking, throwing, etc.), Oki Ryu is balanced to encompass upper body, lower body, throwing, and joint locks. Students of all ages and levels will demonstrate Team Forms, Individual Forms, Weapons, Self-Defense techniques, Sparring, and Board Breaking

Sumo Wrestler Meet & Greet
2:30PM • Meet two huge powerful athletes, from the Hawaiian Sumo Organization with sumo instructor John Jacques.

BRICK MARKET ON-GOING ACTIVITIES & DISPLAYS

· Maxx & Personalized Rice
· Sumi-e Painting & Calligraphy with Jan Zaremba
· Anime Portraits by Ed Sutherland
· Hiroko Shikashio Artworks
· Sumi Art and Calligraphy by Kaji Aso Studios

The 22nd Annual Black Ships Festival will take place throughout Newport, July 14-17, 2005. The Festival is a family-oriented event, incorporating something for all ages. Many events are free; others require tickets or admission. Prices range from $5.00 for some workshops to $8.00 and $12.00 for the Taiko Drum Festival. www.BlackShipsFestival.com [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]