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Promoting friendship between the
U.S. and Japan

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Our Vision

JANAFA-Newport, short for Japan America Navy Friendship Association-Newport, is based in Rhode Island with members throughout the southern New England region. The group aims to connect individuals who have served in Japan, are going to serve in Japan, or have a significant connection to Japan. JANAFA-Newport arranges on-base activities that focus on connecting military members and their families together to help them prepare for future assignments in Japan or to celebrate their previous time in Japan. For off-base activities, JANAFA-Newport also does business as the Japan-America Society of Southern New England (JASNE or JAS Southern New England). The society aims to connect and serve individuals throughout southern New England who have significant connections with or interest in Japan.  JASNE offers services and activities to foster greater friendship and understanding between Japan and America at the grassroots level, including collaborating with other organizations in southern New England focused on Japan-America relations in their efforts and promoting their events.

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Our Mission

The mission of JASNE/JANAFA-Newport is to promote and strengthen the US-Japan Alliance and to foster greater friendship between our countries.

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News & Updates

See the latest news from our society.

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Get Involved

Join us in our efforts to strengthen the ties between the American and Japanese communities. Whether you have a background in the military, cultural exchange, or simply share a passion for promoting friendship between the two nations, there are various ways to engage and contribute to our cause.

Upcoming Events

  • Apr 26, 2025, 11:00 AM – Apr 27, 2025, 5:00 PM
    Boston, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
    This is a large Festival on Boston Common run by Japan Festival Boston to celebrate the U.S.-Japan relationship. April 26th - 27th 11am - 5pm, 16 Charles Street, Boston, MA Please see https://www.japanfestivalboston.org/ for more details.
  • Under the trees and in the NWC museum
    May 09, 2025, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
    Under the trees and in the NWC museum , 10 Luce Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
    Presentation on Commodore Perry's Opening of Japan in the museum and a Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) of the cherry trees by the NWC Museum and USS Constellation's anchor. JANAFA-Newport members who do not have access to the base should contact janafa.newport@gmail.com to arrange access.
  • Aug 22, 2025, 10:00 AM – Aug 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
    Bristol and Newport, RI
    The Japan America Society and Black Ships Festival of Rhode Island runs the annual Black Ships Festival in Bristol and Newport, RI. JANAFA-Newport members are encouraged to attend. Please see www.jasri.org for more information.
  • Aug 28, 2025, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    Newport Navy Base Officers Club, 95 Perry Rd, Newport, RI 02841, USA
    This event is a no-host event at the Newport Navy Base Officers Club. JANAFA-Newport members who do not have access to the base should contact janafa.newport@gmail.com to arrange access.
  • Oct 04, 2025, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Fairhaven, 11 Cherry St, Fairhaven, MA 02719, USA
    The 19th Manjiro Festival is scheduled for 4 October 2025. All JANAFA-Newport members are encouraged to attend. Please see https://whitfield-manjiro.org/events/ for more details.
  • Oct 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – Oct 26, 2025, 12:00 PM
    Various, Newport, RI 02840, USA
    The Mayor, Newport City Council and Newport's Sister City Commission run a multi-day Sister City Celebration with Newport’s sister city Shimoda, Japan every other year in early July.
  • Oct 25, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Newport, Newport, RI, USA
    TBD - planning a festival in Newport on the Saturday of the Shimoda Sister City visit. More details to follow
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