2026 -- H 8373

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING THE 172ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN

TREATY OF PEACE AND AMITY

     Introduced By: Representatives Kennedy, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Azzinaro, Edwards, Bennett, Diaz, Tanzi, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: March 31, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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

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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.

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