| R 204 |
| 2026 -- H 8373 Enacted 03/31/2026 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
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| LC005872 |
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