Monthly Brown Bag Lunch at Japan Society of Boston

Manjiro in America: How Fairhaven, MA Shaped US/Japan History

With Speaker Gerald P. Rooney, President & CEO of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society

You may know the John Manjiro story from the 1840s, when a young Japanese castaway was found and rescued by American whaling ship captain William Whitfield. Young Manjiro was welcomed as a son by Whitfield and raised for a few years in Fairhaven MA. This remarkable man - who returned to Japan as a fluent English speaker - became critical to the US/Japan relationship when Commodore Perry arrived in Yokohama harbor in 1853. This powerful historical story of a personal friendship impacting global peace has inspired thousands of people to visit Fairhaven. For years, Gerry Rooney has been dedicated to preserving these historic sites. Mr. Rooney will engage us in conversation about the Manjiro/Whitfield story, about the historic sites today, and about how friendship still forms the foundation of peace in our world.

Each month on the second Tuesday, people who enjoy talking about Japan bring their lunch to our office at 50 Milk Street. This event is free and open to the public - one small way we share Japan with Boston. The Brown Bag Series is an ongoing occasion to gather and talk about Japan together. Speakers are selected from across New England as well as special visiting guests. After a brief presentation about the speaker's unique Japan experience or specialty, we enjoy a group discussion together on the topic.

All Brown Bag meetings are from 12-1p on the 5th floor of 50 Milk St. After signing the log-book at the front desk, proceed up the elevators on the left to the 5th floor. Please feel free to bring your own lunch.

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