22 Japanese students enjoying tropical setting

The 22 students from Tokyo participating in the KSSK-International Students Association of Japan Cultural Exchange Program were all smiles as they toured various sites yesterday, including the Office of the Governor and hot spot Managaha Island.

“They really like their stay, [they] are very excited and are having a lot of fun,” said 22-year-old Maya Honda, a student at the Obirin University who is a chaperon for the guests. “We all love the island very much and are enjoying everything, especially the food.”

Felecita Elameto, a 10-year old local student, also expressed her excitement and interest in the program, citing it as a great experience

“I get to hang out with Japanese kids and its just fun because I made new friends and they are teaching me about Japan and their culture. I am also teaching them about Saipan,” said Felecita.

Fellow student, 10-year-old Nadia Moses, agreed, describing her experience as “fun and exciting.” “I get to know more about the Japanese people, and that makes me want to go to Japan.”

The group of Japanese students, ranging between the ages of 8 and 13 years, arrived last Friday and are hosted by 14 families on Saipan.

The trip marks the 25th anniversary of the program, which began in 1979. The group is scheduled to return to Japan this Friday.

During an interview, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, who accompanied the group while touring Capitol Hill, said the program serves as way to “promote culture and friendship.”

“This program has been ongoing for the past 25 years and it’s a big success,” he said. “Students from both Japan and Saipan get the chance to interact and build relationships, share culture, and have a great time together. We are hopeful that these students will return home with a memorable experience of Saipan and perhaps encourage their friends and families to visit Saipan soon.”

In exchange, students from the CNMI travel to Japan in October, and are hosted by families there for about a week. An average of 15 Saipan students participate in the program.

Earlier, David Rosario of the Saipan Mayor’s Office said students from both private and public schools will be invited to take part in the program. He said the invitation would be advertised and that all that is needed are expenses for the roundtrip airfare and pocket money.

Other expenses, such as food, lodging, and transportation would be covered by host families in Japan.

A non-profit organization, the KSSK was founded in 1973 and intends to further develop and enhance activities for international companionship between the youth of Japan and other nations.

The exchange program is just one of the three programs coordinated by the Saipan Mayor’s Office. Another is scheduled this Thursday, with about 30 Japanese students expected to arrive, while the other occurs in December and features students from Korea.