Celebrating the 172nd Anniversary of the United States and Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity

WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island and Japan share a long and meaningful history of cultural exchange, cooperation, and friendship; and

WHEREAS, The first official diplomatic contact between the United States and Japan occurred in 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry, a native of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, led an expedition of “Black Ships” to Japan under orders from President Millard Fillmore; and

WHEREAS, This expedition resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan on March 31, 1854, marking the beginning of formal diplomatic relations and expanded interaction and trade between the two nations; and

WHEREAS, Japan has been the largest non-domestic investor in the United States for six consecutive years, supporting nearly one million American jobs, and the United States has likewise been the leading outside investor in Japan; and

WHEREAS, The strong local economic relationship between Rhode Island and Japan is demonstrated by Japanese companies, including Toray Plastics (America), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and Fujifilm, operating in Rhode Island as well as by numerous Rhode Island-based businesses engaged in trade with Japan; and

WHEREAS, The relationship between the United States and Japan is characterized by mutual respect, admiration, and a shared commitment to peace, understanding, and collaboration; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island and Japan maintain strong partnerships across many fields, including commerce, academia, education, technology, the arts, and culture; and

WHEREAS, Educational and cultural exchanges between Rhode Island and Japan have provided invaluable opportunities for students, scholars, artists, and professionals to learn from one another, share experiences, and build lasting connections that enhance cross-cultural and international understanding; and

WHEREAS, Through diverse events such as the annual Black Ships Festival and Gala hosted by the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island, the Japan-America Friendship Festival organized by the Japan-America Society of Southern New England, the Cherry Blossom Princess Crowning Ceremony presented by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, celebrations of Hachiko the legendary loyal Akita dog’s birthday in Woonsocket, and popular culture events such as Providence AnimeCon, Rhode Islanders continue to celebrate and embrace Japanese culture and foster warm friendships with Japan; and

WHEREAS, In Japan, tens of thousands of people annually attend the Black Ships Festival in Shimoda, a sister city to Newport, and the Perry Festival in Yokosuka, commemorating historical ties with Commodore Perry and the United States; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island School of Design Museum promotes research and public understanding of Japanese art through current and forthcoming exhibitions and international collaboration with the Chiba City Museum of Art, including touring exhibitions of its Japanese art collection throughout Japan; and

WHEREAS, The Naval War College in Newport and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force work closely together to promote national security and regional stability through shared resources, strategies, and commitments; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a milestone underscoring the enduring importance of the U.S. and Japan alliance and the continued strengthening of friendly relations and broad-ranging cooperation between the two nations; and

WHEREAS, The Japan-United States Summit meeting held in Washington, D.C. on March 19, 2026, underscores the importance of deepening the friendly relations between Japan and the United States, as well as broad-ranging Japan-U.S. cooperation, including economy and security, and demonstrated the unwavering Japan-U.S. Alliance; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby celebrates the longstanding and meaningful relationship between the United States and Japan and recognizes the contributions of individuals, organizations, and institutions that have worked tirelessly to promote friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two countries; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby honors the 172nd anniversary of the signing of the U.S.–Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity and declares March 31, the date on which the treaty was signed in 1854, as “Japan Day” in the State of Rhode Island, while encouraging continued collaboration and partnership between the United States and Japan and reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and mutual respect for future generations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States; United States Senator Jack Reed; United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse; United States Representative Seth Magaziner; United States Representative Gabe Amo; Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee; Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos; Rhode Island Treasurer James Diossa; Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore; and the Honorable Seiichiro Takahashi, Consul General of Japan in Boston.