Consul General Takahashi visits the Whitfield–Manjiro Friendship House (July 28, 2025)
July 30, 2025
On July 28th, Consul General Takahashi visited the Whitfield–Manjiro Friendship House in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, guided by Mrs. and Mr. Gerald Rooney, President and CEO of the Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society. The House is the former residence of Captain Whitfield, where John Manjiro stayed during his first time in the United States. Nearby, the "Manjiro Trail" has been established to guide visitors around locations connected with Manjiro.
On the same day, Consul General Takahashi visited Fairhaven Town Hall, which was also visited in 1987 by Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita (then Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess). There, he exchanged greetings with Massachusetts State Representative Mark Sylvia, who represents the Town of Fairhaven.
In addition, this past May, the Massachusetts House of Representatives officially designated “Japan Day” to commemorate the date in 1843 when John Manjiro landed in New Bedford.
On the same day, Consul General Takahashi visited Fairhaven Town Hall, which was also visited in 1987 by Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita (then Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess). There, he exchanged greetings with Massachusetts State Representative Mark Sylvia, who represents the Town of Fairhaven.
In addition, this past May, the Massachusetts House of Representatives officially designated “Japan Day” to commemorate the date in 1843 when John Manjiro landed in New Bedford.