Previous Story
CNMI participates in Doma Naka festival in Japan
|
Posted on Sep 03 2004
Delegates from the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Marianas Visitors Authority, Pacific Development Inc., Chamolinian Cultural Village, and Kagman High School took part in the Domo Naka festival held in Nagoya, Japan, on August 26-28.
The Mai-nichi newspaper and the Nagoya Broadcasting Television sponsored the festival, which gave delegates from Saipan the opportunity to appear on live television.
According to PDI public relations manager Gordon Marciano, some 11 students from Kagman participated in the event.
“The students’ flights were taken cared of by PDI, and they were [accommodated by] by residents of Japan. We are hoping that by next year, we could try to increase the number of students participating in the festival. PDI is willing to help the students fundraise for their trip next year,” he said.
Victor Cepeda, was on hand to chaperone the Liberation Queens, who also formed part of the delegation.
“It was really exciting and fun to see the Japanese cultural dance,” said Sweeda Glad. “They [Japanese] were very enthusiastic, and they treated us well. We went to shows for the Doma Naka, and we were part of the parade. We were invited to TV stations and about two or three receptions with the mayor of Nagoya.”
Delegates from Saipan were also toured around the city and interviewed in the radio station. “The dance group performed on stage as ambassadors of the CNMI. The Liberation Queens performed, too,” said Marciano.
Marciano is encouraging the CNMI to take part in the Doma Naka festival next year to participate in the performance competition in the festival.
“This year, the Japanese association from [Los Angeles, California] performed in the festival for the first time, but it was the Gotsu group that won first place in this festival,” Marciano added.
The Japanese Gotsu dance group had participated in the recent Liberation Day parade held on Saipan. Impressed with their visit on island, the Japanese group decided to welcome the CNMI as guests in the Doma Naka festival.
(Cassie DLG Fejeran)
