East Meets West
International Gallery
Opened: October 8, 2017
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Enlightened Encounters: The Two Nations of Manjiro Nakahama explores the remarkable life and influence of Manjiro Nakahama (1827-1898), the first Japanese person to live in and learn English in the U.S. after his rescue at sea in 1841 by the John Howland, a New Bedford whaleship.
The exhibition is timed to celebrate the 2017 centennial of the America-Japan Society, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the relationship between America and Japan. It is also the 190th anniversary of Manjiro’s birth and the 30th anniversary of the Sister City agreement between Fairhaven/ New Bedford, and Manjiro’s home town of Tosashimizu.