Hamasaki, Commonwealth leaders discuss ties

Visiting Tottori Prefecture Assembly member and Goodwill Ambassador for the CNMI Yoshihiro Hamasaki yesterday met with several government officials, including members of the House of Representatives in efforts to strengthen ties between his city and the Northern Marianas.

Hamasaki, who is on a two-day visit to Saipan, had also discussed possible areas of cooperation with the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Public School System.

On Monday, he met with acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente.

Meantime, House members when asked by Hamasaki for their suggestions as to the focus of the two places’ relationship yesterday, cited possible cooperation in areas that would boost economic and cultural ties.

Acting speaker Timothy Villagomez said the focus should be in tourism and cultural exchange.

Rep. Martin Ada said the two places should explore a sister-city relationship either in a state or municipal level.

Rep. Oscar Babauta pushes for joint sports-related activities.

“Since Tottori Prefecture loves sports, we’re hoping we can expand our relationship through sports activities,” he said.

Hamasaki described Babauta’s suggestion as “excellent” – being a sports fanatic himself.

Education committee chairman Rep. Justo Quitugua, meantime, said there should be a teacher exchange program.

“Your teachers can come to the CNMI for a year to teach Japanese while our teachers can teach English or in the areas of arts and culture (in Tottori schools), he said through a lady interpreter.

He also explored the possibility of senior citizen cultural exchange.

“I don’t think our older people would mind going to a place where they can exercise a language that the Japanese taught them,” he added.

Hamasaki said Tottori may opt to expand its aging exchange program with Brazil to include CNMI senior citizens.

“It’s excellent to include the CNMI,” he said.

He also considered a great idea the suggestion made by Villagomez for a visit by the lawmakers to the Prefecture Assembly.

“It’s another excellent idea. It would allow us to meet each other in person and learn from each other,” he said.

Hamasaki, a veteran member of the Prefecture Assembly, was given the goodwill ambassador title by the CNMI government last year for his support and commitment to the islands’ tourism industry.

Hamasaki said this trip was his 25th visit to the CNMI.

“I travel here almost every year. And by end of this year, I’ll be coming back together with my family,” he said.

Yoshihiro was accompanied by prefecture director for international affairs Toshio Yasumoto and section chief Taiji Nishio, as well as international relations coordinator Kerry Clark.

Meanwhile, the MVA recognized Hamasaki’s contributions to the CNMI’s tourism industry.

“An avid golfer, Yoshihiro [Hamasaki] was instrumental in introducing and establishing the sport of ground golf for the Man Amko. Through his efforts, the event is held yearly to promote peace and friendship amongst our elders in the CNMI and Totorri,” MVA Managing Director Vicky Benavente said in a media release.

The MVA awarded a plaque of recognition to Hamasaki, noting his support for the CNMI’s tourism industry in the past quarter century. (With a report from John Ravelo)