Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida presents
From Black Ships to a Black President: Images and Reality in US-Japan Relations
By Dr. William R. Farrell, Chairman of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)
Friday, October 28, 2011
5:30 p.m.
University of West Florida International Center (Bldg. 71, Room 136)
From the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and the Black Ships in 1853 to the historic election of America’s first African-American president, Japan and the U.S. have looked at each other through stereotypical lenses. If misperceptions were commodities, each nation would have run a surplus.
Through the examination of woodblock prints, postcards (the internet of the 1890’s) and contemporary political cartoons, Dr. Farrell takes the audience on a lively tour through history. Events such as Perry’s arrival, the road to Pearl Harbor, World War II, the Occupation, trade wars, and the current international situation are examined.
The program audience will be limited to 60 guests.