Ocean university makes 37th voyage to Saipan

The Wakai Nekko No Kai Ocean University made its 37th visit to the islands when it docked at the Port of Saipan yesterday at 7:30am for a two-day visit.

This year’s visit by the Tokyo-based floating university was made more significant with the participation of two Northern Marianas College students in its voyage from Tokyo to Saipan.

At least a hundred students from Northern Marianas College, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, Mt. Carmel School, Grace Christian College and Marianas High School gathered at the port to welcome the students, teachers and the crew of the university aboard the ship, called NCC Fuji Maru.

The floating university brought with it more than 300 Japanese students, who were welcomed by Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Japan Consul Takeo Saito, businessman Ben T. Camacho, and officials of the Commonwealth Ports Authority and Marianas Visitors Authority.

NMC students cheered on fellow students Clarissa Campos and Rose Marie Jones, who participated in the journey with the Japanese students and crew. Campos is currently pursuing an associate degree in business management, and Jones is an education major nearing completion of her bachelor’s degree.

Jones said the trip was a tremendous learning experience for both of them. “I learned that the Japanese are very, very eager to learn English,” she said.

Jones said she would not forget the gospel choir inside the huge ship. She said every time the choir serenaded them with beautiful music, they were always touched and moved.

This is the 18th consecutive year that Wakai Nekko No Kai has sponsored CNMI students to participate in its weeklong Ocean University voyage.

MVA board member Yoichi Matsumura said the visit is a means of cultural exchange especially for the students.

The visiting group paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Governor yesterday morning and participated in fun activities at the Micro Beach in the afternoon. Last night, the ship was opened for an invitational dinner assembly and cultural presentation with the students and guests from the island.

Over the past 37 years, Wakai Nekko No Kai has brought over 15,800 Japanese visitors to the CNMI as part of its Ocean University cultural exchange program.

Pacific Development Inc. and the Marianas Visitors Authority, along with the CNMI-Wakai Nekko No Kai committee composed of representatives from NMC, Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, Mt. Carmel School, Grace Christian Academy, the Governor’s Office, and the Saipan Mayor’s Office worked hard to organize the successful cultural exchange program.