2024 -- S 3114

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. -- JAPAN TREATY OF PEACE

AND AMITY

     Introduced By: Senators Ujifusa, Gu, Felag, Bissaillon, Raptakis, Pearson, Cano, F.
Lombardi, LaMountain, and Euer

     Date Introduced: May 30, 2024

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, The month of May is recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander

(AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States, and is a time to recognize and celebrate the

contributions, achievements, and cultural heritage of AAPI throughout our nation's history; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island and Japan share a rich history of cultural

exchange, cooperation, and friendship; and

     WHEREAS, The first official diplomatic contact between Japan and the United States

took place in 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry, born in South Kingstown, led an

expedition of "Black Ships" to Japan under orders from President Millard Fillmore; and

     WHEREAS, The Perry expedition eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Peace

and Amity between the United States and Japan in 1854, which marked the beginning of formal

diplomatic relations between the two countries and paved the way for increased interaction and

trade; and

     WHEREAS, Today, Japan is the United States' fourth largest trading partner, and for the

last four years, Japan has been the number one investor in the United States, and the United States

has been the number one investor in Japan; and

     WHEREAS, Today, the relationship between the United States and Japan is marked by

mutual respect, admiration, and a commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and

collaboration; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island and Japan have established numerous partnerships in various

fields including commerce, education, technology, arts, and culture; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island-Japan connection is further strengthened by the presence

of Japanese companies investing in Rhode Island and contributing to the State's economic

vitality, as well as by Rhode Island-based businesses engaging in trade with Japan, promoting

global commerce and innovation; 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 lifelong connections, thereby enhancing cross-cultural

understanding and fostering global citizenship; and

     WHEREAS, Through festivities such as the annual Black Ships Festival by the Japan-

America Society of Rhode Island and the Cherry Blossom Princess Crowning Ceremony by the

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Rhode Islanders continue to promote an appreciation of

Japanese culture and a warm friendship with Japan; and

     WHEREAS, In Japan, tens of thousands of people continue to attend an annual Black

Ships Festival in Shimoda, a sister city with Newport, and a Perry Festival in Yokosuka,

celebrating connections with Commodore Perry and the United States; 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 In April of 2024, President Joe Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister

Kishida Fumio at an official Summit Meeting in Washington, D.C., wherein it was stated, "Our

two nations have never been more united as we work together to address the most pressing

challenges and opportunities of the future"; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby celebrates the

longstanding and meaningful relationship between the United States and Japan, recognizing the

contributions of individuals, organizations, and institutions that have worked tirelessly to promote

friendship, cooperation, and understanding between our two countries; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby honors the 170th Anniversary of the signing of the

U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity, and encourages continued collaboration and partnership

between the United States and Japan, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening the ties that

bind us together and fostering a future of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect for generations to

come; 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 Honorable Joseph R. Biden, President of the

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United States; Rhode Island's federal elected officials, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon

Whitehouse, Congressman Seth Magaziner, and Congressman Gabe Amo, and the Honorable

Kotaro Suzuki, Consul General of Japan in Boston.

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