FUJI-MARY ARRIVES ON SAIPAN Students experience a dose of island life

The 32nd batch of Japanese college students aboard the Fuji-maru ship arrived on island yesterday full of anticipation on the many wonders Saipan has to offer.

Six hundred young individuals brought with them willingness to learn more about the CNMI culture and the island way of life.

During their first day of visit, foreign students were exposed to a cultural exchange activity where they openly interacted with CNMI’s youth on many aspects of the indigenous culture at the Micro Beach Park.

Local students took turns showing the guests the basics in local craftsmanship mainly using environment-friendly makeshift materials.

Foreign students watched in awe as Saipan students weaved hats from palm leaves, decorated a perfect halo with colorful flowers (mwar), and drank fresh liquid from a coconut shell.

Soon the Japanese students were imitating the acts totally new to them, much to their enjoyment.

The foreign delegates also enjoyed being enlightened on Micronesia’s very own ancient tradition — canoeing.

They also took time to dip into the tempting beaches for a quick swim despite minor episodes of rain.

Furthermore, they also participated in a planting activity headed by Marianas Visitors Authority officials and Wakai Nekko No Kai Foundation president Hideo Kato, marking 32 years of friendship with the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Fuji-maru ship arrived here on Saipan early yesterday morning where people aboard the carrier were welcomed by Governor Pedro P. Tenorio, local officials and representatives from the Pacific Development Inc.

The purpose of the yearly trip is to foster closer links between Japan and the CNMI, consequently establishing a venue to learn from each other’s cultures and backgrounds.

The trip is part of the Wakai Nekko No Kai University curriculum which in essence allows students to take a boat trip to experience endless sky and ocean.

Only through limiting themselves within the bounds of the ship can they totally connect with each other, try to overcome the differences of ages and organization, and establish a wonderful friendship by understanding each other.

For them, international travel with Saipan as well as Guam for over half a century is not just a leisure travel but an opportunity for them to understand the world.

The foreign delegation also uses this opportunity to take time to visit Japanese soldiers who perished in World War II. (MM)