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Japan mayor named honorary envoy for NMI
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Posted on Dec 17 2004
The Marianas Visitors Authority has named the mayor of the Koshiji Nigata Prefecture in Japan as CNMI Honorary Tourism Ambassador for his efforts to continue with the annual exchange program among students of Japan and Saipan despite challenges facing the prefecture this year.
For five years, Mayor Tsutomou Ono of the Koshiji Nigata Prefecture in Japan has united students from Japan and Saipan in an annual exchange program. Despite the devastating calamities that have taken place in Koshiji this year, Ono made sure that this year’s exchange program will still take place. Through his efforts, Ono was able to bring together hundreds of students from Japan and Saipan.
This has earned him the recognition of being an honorary tourism ambassador for the CNMI. Ono was honored during a ceremony on Dec. 15, 2004, at the Hafa Adai Beach Hotel. Shin-ichiro Shiotani, principal for the Tsukayama Junior High School, received the plaque on behalf of Ono. The plaque was presented by MVA managing director Vicky Benavente and MVA board of directors B.K. Park and Yoichi Matsumura.
“Promoting friendship is a priceless gift,” said Matsumura, who is also general manager of Pacific Development Inc. “Mayor Ono realizes that many years from now, the friendship and memories will always remain in the hearts of the students,” he added.
