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New Japan consul calls on Apatang
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Posted on Mar 30 2022
The new Head of Office of the Consulate Office of Japan, Consul Ryoji Takagaki, center, shakes hands with Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, left, during a visit at the mayor’s office in Oleai. At right is the mayor’s senior adviser, Henry Hofschneoider. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The new Head of Office of the Consulate Office of Japan, Consul Ryoji Takagaki, and his staff, James Sakamoto, recently visited Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang at the mayor’s office in Oleai.
In their March 22, 2022, meet and greet, Apatang expressed his deepest appreciation to Takagaki for visiting him and the opportunity to talk about how Japan and Saipan can continue its wonderful relationship that began more than a century ago.
“We are excited about the future for Japan and Saipan, despite the pandemic that has impacted travel between Japan and Saipan,” said Apatang. “Last year, Katori City Mayor Seichi Ui and I concluded the sister city agreement in a virtual ceremony and it is my hope that your office will continue to be a part of our sister city relationship and our student exchange program, which gives many young students a unique opportunity to experience our way of life here [on] Saipan and also life in Japan. …It is our duty to make sure our young generations know our long history and our commitment to peace.”
Takagaki said he is “excited to be here on this beautiful island of Saipan.”
“It is my hope that I can continue the work of my office here in serving our Japanese community and working alongside the CNMI government and your office,” added Takagaki. “The pandemic is very difficult on many people, and it is my hope that our way of life will return to normal in Japan and Saipan and everywhere in the world soon.” (PR)
