Black Ships Festival Gala Celebrates Bond Between Japan and America During Difficult Year

Rosecliff - always lovely!

Honoring the long relationship between the United States and Japan and, more specifically, between Newport, RI and its sister city, Shimoda, the annual Black Ships Festival Gala was again held at Rosecliff this year. The exciting cultural event is part of the annual Black Ships Festival comprising culturals events around Newport.

Spencer Viner, President of the Japan-America Society of R.I., stood beside his wife Darcy and spiritedly welcomed incoming dignitaries and honored guests, including Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Dr. Heita Kawakatu and Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly Vice Chairman Yosuke Suzuki, among others.

Spencer & Darcy Viner

Attendees gathered on the terrace for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres (including a lobster rangoon with mango chutney described as “a religious experience” by one tantalized guest). Out on the lawn sat two massive drums full of sake on a podium, a large ice sculpture reading “Toray” (the party’s Title Sponsor), and a sushi station featuring succulent rolls and sashimi from RI’s Haruki restaurant family, as well as a queue which extended quite far for the duration of the cocktail hour (it was a popular table!). Near Rosecliff’s lovely fountain, Japanese Koto music was provided by Sumie Kaneko in traditional Japanese attire. Many female guests wore kimonos.

Newport Mayor Stephen Waluk was present at the event, as were Preservation Society Executive Director Trudy Coxe, Jim Gaffney, John Sawicki, Mikki Micarelli, David Cullen, Barbara Peters, Pierre Merle, Leith Adams, and others.

Spencer Viner, Governor Kawakatsu, Vice Chairman Suzuki,

Consul General Hikihara, Hammi Hikihara

As the sun began to set over the water, guests were called to congregate around the outside podium, where WPRI Channel 12’s Susan Roberts served as emcee for the speeches to follow. Spencer Viner then took the microphone, noting the importance of the 2011 in particular by holding a moment of silence for the victims of the tsunami and earthquake disaster earlier this year. Indeed, the tragedy was touched upon by all of the speakers, and served to highlight the importance of Japanese-American relations and the value of the support provided by one country to another in times of great need.

Spencer & Darcy Viner, Richard & Janet Schloesser

Governor Dr. Heita Kawakatsu thanked American troops for their immediate response efforts, saying, “We are truly encouraged and thankful for this act of goodwill… the bond of our two port cities is closer than ever.” Consul General to Japan, Takeshi Hikihara, said that he has been in New England for the past several months and been invited to many events, but “this is by far the loveliest.” Commodore Matthew Perry was mentioned several times due to his status and history as the Commodore of the U.S. Navy who compelled the opening of Japan to the West with the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854. “Our countries have a friendship based on great curiosity and a desire to learn more about each other’s cultures; the Black Ships Festival has strengthened it,” Hikihara continued.

Next to speak were sponsor Richard Schloesser and Roger Williams University President Donald Farish, who mentioned that the university has launched a new East Asian Studies program. Honorary Gala Co-Chairs Warren and Joyce Galkin and Robert and Winnie Galkin were then honored with gifts. A toast was held to both countries, and then came the breaking of the ceremonial sake drums with little mallets. Afterwards, the Taiko Drummers performed a powerful, invigorating set.

The Viners & honored guests

Dinner was held in Rosecliff’s grand ballroom and adjoining rooms, with the silent auction continuing for a time and then a special live auction of a Hina Matsuri rare Japanese doll collection, and the “grand prize” of a trip to the Shimoda Black Ships Festival in 2012 as part of the official delegation. Dancing followed, with music provided by Nightlife Orchestra.

--Amanda M. Grosvenor