SHIMODA, Japan — The people of Shimoda quietly begin their day as they would any other, but for many of these citizens, today is the fruition of months of preparation and hard work. On this day, May 18, this city, known as the home of marine therapy, with its white-sandy beaches, hot springs and seafood delights, opens its port and welcomes the U.S. Sailors of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85).
This day starts the 73rd Shimoda Black Ship Festival, an annual festival that brings to life the events that helped end Japan’s national seclusion policy and opened Japan to the West. The three-day festival from May 18-20 commemorates the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and the beginning of the long-standing relationship between the United States and Japan.
“It is my great honor, privilege and pleasure to be here to commemorate the conclusion of the first Treaty of Peace and Amity between Japan and the United States,” said Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan. “That document, signed 158 years ago, was the beginning of what has grown to be a priceless relationship between our two nations and its people. A relationship that I believe that is stronger and more significant than any of the original negotiators could have ever imagined.”
Representatives from the U.S. and Japan came together in Shimoda to show their support of this historic event that this festival showcases.
“I spend a lot of time talking about the importance of the security alliance between Japan and the United States, and it has certainly been the cornerstone for peace and prosperity in this region of the world,” said John Roos, U.S. ambassador to Japan. “But fundamentally, I think we all recognize that the relationship between our two countries comes down to the depth and breadth of the people to people ties that is demonstrated here.”
The Gyokusen-ji Temple, a small Buddhist temple located in Shimoda, was the site used by the shogunate to negotiate terms of peace for foreign treaties and later housed the first American consulate in Japan. It is here where the bodies of five U.S. Sailors who died as crew members of Perry’s “black ships” are buried. This year’s festival unveiled new grave stones and structure to protect them from the weather.
“For 150 years, the citizens of Shimoda City, have been praying for these five souls who lie here,” said Naoki Ishii, mayor of Shimoda. “We burn incense for these Sailors and say prayers…this is the way the Japanese honor the dead. “As the mayor of Shimoda City, I would like to extend my appreciation to all of the former and current priests who watch over these souls who sleep here, and I wish and hope this place to remain as a symbol of the friendship between the U.S. and Japan, forever and ever.”
In 2011, the Black Ship Festival was cancelled due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.
“Last year, Japan received un-scaled support from the United States immediately after the disastrous tsunami and earthquake,” said Heita Kawakatsu, governor of Shizuoka Prefecture. “American service men and women worked tirelessly to search and rescue those missing and transport much needed food and relief supplies. “In Shimoda, our festival was unfortunately cancelled, as the relief effort was still ongoing. Therefore, for the first time, Shizuoka Prefecture decided to join together with Shimoda City, to host this year’s festival, to express our deepest appreciation to the people of the United States.”
Roos reassured Kawakatsu that the bonds created in Shimoda so many years ago with Commodore Perry are as strong as ever.
“I know that my military brethren would agree with me in saying that it wasn’t difficult for the United States to step up in the role we played in Operation Tomodachi,” said Roos. “It was instinctual because of the deep, deep bonds between the people of Japan and the people of the United States.”
While in port, McCampbell Sailors visited six elementary schools in Shimoda City, marched in a parade, watched a play performed by Shimoda citizens reenacting Commodore Perry’s landing at Ryosenji Temple and were treated to an evening of fireworks. They also participated in friendly competition events like beach volleyball, golf, softball, tug-of-war and arm wrestling.
“One of my shipmates and I were standing outside [on the street] and one of the kids that she visited at their school came up to her and starting hugging her,” said Engineman First Class William Rivera, USS McCampbell Auxiliary Division. “Their [The people of Shimoda] reception has been very warm and comforting. I’m very impressed and glad that I got the opportunity to come here. It is so quite and lovely that I would definitely drive here on my own time to visit again.”
- MC2(SW/AW) John S. Smolinski, CFAY Public Affairs
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.16.2024 06:09 |
| Story ID: | 464042 |
| Location: | SHIMODA, SHIZUOKA, JP |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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