May 2005

Newport's Japanese Sister City Shimoda
Newport’s Japanese Sister City, Shimoda, celebrated the 151st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Perry’s Black Ships the weekend of May 20-22, 2005. Third Ward City Councilor Colleen McGrath traveled to Shimoda to represent the Honorable Mayor John J. Trifero, fellow colleagues of the Newport City Council and the citizens of Newport. Accompanying her were several prominent citizens, members of the Japan-America Society and Deborah Smith, Director of External Affairs for Rhode Island Governor Donald Carceiri’s office.

The Black Ships Festival celebrates the historic opening of trade between the two great nations of Japan and the United States. In 1853 naval Commodore Matthew Perry sailed from Newport RI to Edo returning the following year to arrive in Shimoda. In addition to the Newport delegations, twenty five decedents of Commodore Perry participated in this year’s ceremonies which included a Garden Party with US Naval personnel from the USS Fitzgerald, a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Perry’s Landing, formal Black Ships Opening Ceremony and parade with 20,000 spectators.

Newporters have shared a deep and warm friendship with the citizens of Shimoda for many years. In an effort to expand these ties and engage citizens other than members of the delegations, a number of programs have been established with area schools. These programs introduce Japanese culture and history to students and foster an exchanged of art and learning. As each trip increases participants’ understanding of our sister city’s culture and personality, additional programming should be layered upon the foundation that has been set.
On Wednesday, May 18, 2005 all members of the delegation arrived in Tokyo via Narita airport and met for dinner at the Renaissance Giza Tobu Hotel’s restaurant. The delegation for the City of Newport included 3rd Ward Councilor Colleen McGrath; her parents Tom & Kathy McGrath; Mrs. Deborah Winthrop, wife of former 4th Ward
Councilor Harry Winthrop; Mr. Christian Winthrop; Mr. David Cullen of Newport’s Cultural Commission and businessman Charles Edenbach. Representing the Japan America Society was Karl Olsen, Vice President of the Rhode Island chapter, his mother Claire Olsen and Deborah Smith from RI Governor Donald Carceiri’s office. Mr. Tom Yamaguchi, his daughter Hiroko and Yumi Murakoshi joined the delegation for dinner. For many years the Yamaguchi’s have served as the "link" between Shimoda and Newport helping to make the many accommodations necessary to successfully execute the exchange.

The delegation left the hotel on Thursday May 19th and traveled by train to Shimoda City, a three hour ride. Upon arrival at the station Newport delegates were met by a large group of Shimodans including Mayor Ishii, Shigeki Shinji, Council Chairman Mori, Yoshiaki Sasaki and former Mayor Iketani. Mini vans with volunteer drivers took us to the hotel. American and Japanese flags from every street lamp in the city.

Former City Official Shigeki Shinji invited us to his home where his wife gave a demonstration in Ikebani, Japanese floral arranging, to the ladies while Mr. Shinji entertained the men. All guests then enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony.

That evening delegates attended a Welcome Party hosted by members of the Shimoda Newport Club .
On Friday morning the delegates made a Courtesy Call to Mayor Ishii at the Shimoda Bay Station where a formal exchange of gifts took place. Councilor McGrath presented a stained glass pineapple hanging to Mayor Ishhi and green pineapple plates from the Preservation Society’s Mansion Store to the Councilors. Mayor Ishii presented a portrait of Commodore Perry made from antique kimono fabric to Councilor McGrath and one to Deborah Smith for Governor Carceiri. In addition to discussions of friendships, the group talked about how we might expand our relationship to include educational programming.
After the Courtesy Call the delegation traveled to Shirahama Elementary School and met with the school’s principal who is the first female principal in the city of Shimoda. Fourth graders greeted the delegates in English. Letters from Coggeshall School were presented to them and children in the third grade. Those traveling from Newport presented small gifts to the children. Former Mayor Iketani then opened his home to all of the delegates who enjoyed a traditional Japanese box lunch.

A formal wreath laying ceremony at Perry’s Landing followed. An eternal flame burns which was a gift of President Bush stands next to a statue of Newport’s native son Commodore Perry who first traveled to Japan in 1853 with four Black Ships. The following year the Treaty of Peace and Amity was signed opening up trade between the two nations. Remarks were given by Mayor Ishii and Councilor McGrath.
Mayor Ishii and a descendent of Commodore Perry laid wreaths at the statue. Chairman Mori and Councilor McGrath then placed flower arrangements on the statue then each of the delegates and descendants of Commodore Perry were escorted by a school child to place a carnation on the statue. Unique this year was the presence of 25 descendants of Commodore Perry from the United States.
Three hundred fifty guests including the US Ambassador to Japan J. Thomas Schieffer, US Navy personnel and dignitaries from neighboring cities attended a Garden Party at the Shimoda Tokyo Hill which is situated high on a mountain and offers sweeping views of the harbor. The evening’s program included remarks by the ambassador and mayor as well as the opening of sake drum with Councilor McGrath and Mrs. Smith had the pleasure of participating in. A spectacular fireworks display was held in downtown Shimoda after the party.

The formal opening to the 66th Annual Black Ships Festival was Saturday morning. Over one thousand people attended the event. Mayor Ishhi gave the Opening Address. A US Navy Chaplain then gave an invocation followed by the US Navy Band playing the Japanese National anthem and hoisting the Japanese flag. Their navy then played the US Anthem and hoisted the American flag. Wreaths were laid by twenty dignitaries and congratulatory greetings were offered by the Ambassador Shieffer, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Commander of US Naval Forces, Japan, the Executive Director of the American-Japan Society, Inc., Mrs. Smith and Ms. McGrath. Copies of the program and speeches may be found in Section V. The Newport Mayor’s Cup was presented to a student who won a city wide art contest on display at the downtown convention center along with pieces from Thompson Middle School students. A parade through downtown Shimoda which draws over 20,000 spectators followed. Mrs. Smith and Ms. McGrath traveled in open cars while the rest of the delegates were in a van. After the parade a VIP luncheon was held at the Shimoda Tokyo Hotel.
Delegates enjoyed free time shopping and sight seeing in downtown Shimoda that afternoon. A boat cruise was arranged to view the handheld fireworks display for members of the Newport delegation and descendants of Commodore Perry.

On Sunday morning Mr. McGrath, Mr. Olsen and Mr. Winthrop participated in the Black Ships Golf Tournament while Mr. Edenbach and Mr. Cullen were in a raft race which they placed second. Ladies enjoyed making soba noodles after the race. Our hosts escorted us to the train station to see us off that afternoon.
© Colleen McGrath 2005