More time to play golf for Kikuchi

Outgoing Japanese Consul to the CNMI Hitoshi Kikuchi, right, talks to Reps. Edwin K. Propst, left, and Edmund S. Villagomez in last Thursday’s farewell dinner for the Japan representative. (Jon Perez)

Japanese Consul to the CNMI Hitoshi Kikuchi loves to play golf and is looking forward to have more time to play the sport when he returns to Japan tomorrow. Kikuchi will be retiring and will go back to Tokyo.

“Maybe, I’ll play golf more often since I’m already retired. I love playing golf. I don’t know and I have no idea yet on what other things I would do when I return to Japan,” said Kikuchi in an interview with Saipan Tribune during his farewell dinner at the Grandvrio Resort’s Fiesta Hall.

Kikuchi was the Japanese consul to the CNMI for more than two years arriving on Saipan in December 2013. His replacement is set to arrive next month. “I trust that you will also show the same support and trust that you have given me to the one who will replace me.”

He remained humble and said that he felt that he could have done more being Japan’s official representative to the CNMI.

“There are times that I feel that I didn’t succeed with this job. Still, it was truly an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I have met and have been acquainted with so many people here.”

Kikuchi said that while the arrival of Japanese tourists have declined in years, the relationship and partnership between the CNMI and Japan never changed.

“I don’t think of the negative effect of Japanese tourists here on Saipan. Despite the decline of Japanese tourists, the size of Japanese nationals living and working here on Saipan is increasing.”

Kikuchi added that the partnership between the CNMI and Japan will further strengthen between students who will be involved in various cultural exchange programs.

“The relationship between Japan and the CNMI remains the same. It will not change since it dates back more than 100 years. We’re going to develop stronger ties through various exchange programs for many years to come.”

Japanese nationals also regularly visit the CNMI where they join various sports events like the recently concluded Tagaman and XTERRA Saipan Championship triathlon races or holding memorial and peace ceremonies commemorating the end of World War II.

Kikuchi also remembered the earthquake and tsunami that hit Fukushima City on March 11, 2011. “[Friday] happens to be the commemoration of the tsunami and earthquake in Japan where many people died. After five years, many are still missing.”

He also invited CNMI residents to also consider visiting Japan and not only treat it as a transit point going to the U.S. mainland. “The best season to visit Japan is during the spring where the Cherry blossoms are blooming. I encourage everyone to visit Japan.”