CNMI wishes Japanese Emperor Naruhito a happy 64th birthday

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, and many CNMI dignitaries joined Consul Ryoji Takagaki from the Consular Office of Japan on Saipan last Thursday evening at the Grandvrio Resort Saipan to wish and celebrate His Majesty Emperor Naruhito’s 64th birthday.

The night’s event, which was graced by the presence of Tomonori Ito, who is mayor of Saipan’s sister city of Katori, Japan, was held eight days before the actual birthday of the emperor, which falls on Feb. 23, 2024.

The mood was festive as guests mingled, tasting not only the Katori snacks that Ito offered and the fine Japanese cuisine that was served, but also the wine, including the traditional Japanese rice wine or sake.

In his remarks, Takagaki expressed gratitude to the CNMI for the comforting words its leaders extended to Japan after the devastating January earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in the Ishikawa Prefecture that claimed the lives of more than 230 people.

“I would like to express my deepest condolence to those who lost their lives and wish for the swift recovery of the affected region,” he said. “The supportive words of honorable Lt. Gov. Apatang and people of the CNMI was very heartwarming and made me once again feel the strong bond between Japan and [the] CNMI.”

Takagaki also noted that this year will mark the 80th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian. “With this I sincerely do hope that more Japanese will visit and experience the beautiful nature, culture, and kind hospitality of the islands, along with further strengthening the relationship between Japan and CNMI.”

Palacios is also glad to see “that we continue this very strong relationship and hope for an enduring bond for the people of the Commonwealth and the people of Japan.”

Ito’s special array of snacks from Katori that were given away that night was a hit with guests, who munched on the Hoshi-imo and Imokenpi, both variations of sweet potato that are a specialty of the city.

“We hope that these can convey some of Katori City’s charms,” said Ito, who also thanked the CNMI for its hospitality during his visit to Saipan back in October 2023. “I would like to end my remarks by wishing all those present, and the people of Saipan happiness and good health. We look forward to interacting with the people of Saipan even more in the future,” said Ito

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Conception said he is grateful for the relationship between Saipan and Japan and to be able to be a part of the celebration that evening.

“We are very pleased to be a part of this celebration of the 64th birthday of the emperor of Japan. The father of this current emperor visited Saipan in 2005 in honor of the war dead, and so we’re pleased to be able to continue celebrating the birthday of His Majesty, Emperor of Japan. It goes to show our long ties, historical ties with the people of Japan,” he added.