My daughter and I just got back from the Black Ships Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening of Japan by Commodore Perry’s “black ships.”

Photos below the fold.

Aikido demonstration by Newport Aikikai.

Traditional Dolls.

Denise Wilkey demonstrates the traditional art of Raku firing.

Sumo Wrestlers.

Manga drawing workshop.

Demonstration of a traditional tea ceremony by Kaji Aso Studio (Boston).

Sumie Kaneko plays the koto…

…and the shamisen.

Demonstration of “Iaijutsu.”