HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 172ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN TREATY OF PEACE AND AMITY

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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
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WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island and Japan share a long and meaningful history of
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cultural exchange, cooperation, and friendship; and
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WHEREAS, The first official diplomatic contact between the United States and Japan
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occurred in 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry, a native of South Kingstown, Rhode Island,
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led an expedition of “Black Ships” to Japan under orders from President Millard Fillmore; and
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WHEREAS, This expedition resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Amity
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between the United States and Japan on March 31, 1854, marking the beginning of formal
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diplomatic relations and expanded interaction and trade between the two nations; and
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WHEREAS, Japan has been the largest non-domestic investor in the United States for six
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consecutive years, supporting nearly one million American jobs, and the United States has
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likewise been the leading outside investor in Japan; and
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WHEREAS, The strong local economic relationship between Rhode Island and Japan is
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demonstrated by Japanese companies, including Toray Plastics (America), which is celebrating
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its 100th anniversary this year, and Fujifilm, operating in Rhode Island as well as by numerous
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Rhode Island-based businesses engaged in trade with Japan; and
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WHEREAS, The relationship between the United States and Japan is characterized by
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mutual respect, admiration, and a shared commitment to peace, understanding, and collaboration;
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and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island and Japan maintain strong partnerships across many fields,

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including commerce, academia, education, technology, the arts, and culture; and
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WHEREAS, Educational and cultural exchanges between Rhode Island and Japan have
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provided invaluable opportunities for students, scholars, artists, and professionals to learn from
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one another, share experiences, and build lasting connections that enhance cross-cultural and
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international understanding; and
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WHEREAS, Through diverse events such as the annual Black Ships Festival and Gala
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hosted by the Japan-America Society of Rhode Island, the Japan-America Friendship Festival
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organized by the Japan-America Society of Southern New England, the Cherry Blossom Princess
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Crowning Ceremony presented by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, celebrations of
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Hachiko the legendary loyal Akita dog’s birthday in Woonsocket, and popular culture events such
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as Providence AnimeCon, Rhode Islanders continue to celebrate and embrace Japanese culture
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and foster warm friendships with Japan; and
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WHEREAS, In Japan, tens of thousands of people annually attend the Black Ships
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Festival in Shimoda, a sister city to Newport, and the Perry Festival in Yokosuka,
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commemorating historical ties with Commodore Perry and the United States; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island School of Design Museum promotes research and public
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understanding of Japanese art through current and forthcoming exhibitions and international
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collaboration with the Chiba City Museum of Art, including touring exhibitions of its Japanese
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art collection throughout Japan; and
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WHEREAS, The Naval War College in Newport and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense
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Force work closely together to promote national security and regional stability through shared
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resources, strategies, and commitments; and
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WHEREAS, This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States,
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a milestone underscoring the enduring importance of the U.S. and Japan alliance and the
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continued strengthening of friendly relations and broad-ranging cooperation between the two
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nations; and
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WHEREAS, The Japan-United States Summit meeting held in Washington, D.C. on
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March 19, 2026, underscores the importance of deepening the friendly relations between Japan
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and the United States, as well as broad-ranging Japan-U.S. cooperation, including economy and
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security, and demonstrated the unwavering Japan-U.S. Alliance; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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celebrates the longstanding and meaningful relationship between the United States and Japan and
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recognizes the contributions of individuals, organizations, and institutions that have worked
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tirelessly to promote friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two

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countries; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby honors the 172nd anniversary of the signing of the
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U.S.–Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity and declares March 31, the date on which the treaty was
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signed in 1854, as “Japan Day” in the State of Rhode Island, while encouraging continued
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collaboration and partnership between the United States and Japan and reaffirming a shared
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commitment to peace, prosperity, and mutual respect for future generations; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States; United States
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Senator Jack Reed; United States Senator Sheldon Whitehouse; United States Representative Seth
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Magaziner; United States Representative Gabe Amo; Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee; Rhode
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Island Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos; Rhode Island Treasurer James Diossa; Rhode Island
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Secretary of State Gregg Amore; and the Honorable Seiichiro Takahashi, Consul General of
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Japan in Boston.
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