A night of exquisite food, wine, and music

More than 100 local guests and dignitaries joined nearly 300 students, teachers, and officials of the Wakai Nekko No Kai Ocean University aboard the NCC Fuji Maru Sunday evening for a night of fine dining and cultural exchange.

Wakai Nekko No Kai founder Hideo Kato welcomed government officials led by acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, House Speaker Oscar M. Babauta, Rep. Cinta Kaipat, Special Assistant for Administration Esther Fleming, former Saipan Mayor Jose M. Sablan, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council chair Angel Hocog, and Marianas Visitors Authority acting managing director Tess Castro.

Villagomez said the Ocean University has been establishing strong bonds of friendship between the two countries through cultural exchanges.

“Each year, our local students and our government employees look forward to your visit,” said Villagomez, adding that the CNMI has always appreciated the floating university’s “enduring friendship and affinity” with the CNMI.

The acting governor handed over a wooden carving of a crab as the local government’s token of appreciation to the visiting group.

Tudela, who also gave some souvenirs to Kato, provided a brief history of the Wakai Nekko No Kai’s voyage to Saipan.

“Even today, Wakai Nekko No Kai and Ocean University have become very important visitors that we look forward to meeting every year. And therefore, it is my duty as the present mayor of Saipan to continue this important tradition,” Tudela said.

Kato also presented the two Northern Marianas College students who participated in the voyage this year: Elsa Yoshida, who is currently pursuing an associate degree in business management; and Kaye M. Christian, a liberal arts major.

The traditional Japanese toast, kanpai, ended the brief ceremony.

Students from Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, Mt. Carmel School, Grace Christian Academy and Northern Marianas College attended the dinner. Miss Marianas Teen 2006 Myana Welch assisted in welcoming the guests during the event.

The trip marks the floating university’s 38th annual voyage to Saipan. Island music and a traditional dance greeted the passengers of NCC Fuji Maru when it docked at the Port of Saipan Sunday morning.

The onboard reception included a musical extravaganza prepared by the Wakai Nekko No Kai students and officers. More than 100 students from prestigious Tokyo music schools rendered traditional Christian songs such as “I Need You.” Saipan’s very own Island Warriors showcased traditional CNMI dances.

The show’s highlights included a brief Japanese opera, and a finale dance number from the founder himself, Hideo Kato.

Wakai Nekko No Kai, or Young Roots Organization, has brought more than 16,000 Japanese visitors to the CNMI as part of its Ocean University cultural exchange program in the past 38 years.

Wakai Nekko No Kai has been sponsoring musical concerts, variety and talk shows, publishing books and magazines, and hosting forums on several social problems. The group also invites different people as lecturers, including writers, novelists, musicians, actors, private leaders, and education officials.

The MVA and Pacific Development Inc. facilitate the floating university’s yearly visit to Saipan.