Students, teachers, and chaperones of the Japanese school Kokusai Seishonen Kenshu Kyokai joined their host families last Tuesday evening at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan for a farewell dinner at the resort\u2019s World Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n
The 13 students were joined at the farewell dinner by the Saipan Mayor\u2019s Office committee that made the arrangements for their visit.<\/p>\n
Tour coordinator Yasuyo Ichihara said she appreciates arranging the trip to Saipan. \u201cThe culture and food are different from Japan and I feel very welcome here,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Ichihara recalled first arriving on Saipan nine years ago; she said she and the students struggled to adjust to the lifestyle of the island. But, with every visit, the group has come to learn to appreciate the historical ties between Japan and the CNMI.<\/p>\n
During Tuesday night\u2019s dinner, the students gave Japanese performances to share their culture. Afterwards, musician Gus Kaipat sang a Chamorro song for the visitors.<\/p>\n
Student cultural exchange program coordinator Yuki Kishimoto expressed the group\u2019s appreciation to the host families.<\/p>\n
\u201cWords can\u2019t express on how thankful I am for the hospitality and condition they\u2019ve been providing to the students,\u201d said Kishimoto.<\/p>\n
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said: \u201cThis is a small group that comes here every year and we take care of them for a week. Tomorrow, they will be going to Managaha [Island] or do some shopping\u201d before leaving. <\/p>\n