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NMI leaders lay out welcome mat for Japanese students
Hiroshima Johoku Junior and Senior High School assistant principal Hiroshi Kujita, left, Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider, center, and Saipan Mayor Marian DLG Tudela pose for a photo during a welcoming reception at the Hafadai Beach Hotel on Wednesday. (Jayson Camacho)
Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider, Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan), Rep. Antonio Sablan (Ind-Saipan), and Saipan Mayor Marian DLG Tudela represented the islands’ leadership at the reception.
Hofschneider, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Eloy S. Inos, said: “Over 100 of you are here to both take in the sights and sounds, as well as share a little about what makes you special with our residents who have graciously welcomed you into their homes and their hearts.”
Hofschneider told the students that they share a common history dating back to the time before World War II.
“I thank you for becoming new additions of that relationship which has spanned for some us, an entire lifetime. It is through activities such as this that camaraderie is strengthened, and lasting memories created,” he said.
Hofschneider also thanked the local families that are playing host to the students.
In her remarks, Tudela thanked the students for visiting Saipan, saying tourism is the driving force behind the CNMI’s economic engine.
Sablan spoke about what the House of Representatives does and his role in the Legislature. Torres did the same, speaking about the Senate and how he, the governor, lieutenant governor, and the House of Representatives work together for a better CNMI.
The Johoku students then listened to several Japanese residents who talked about their jobs and what they do here on Saipan.
One Japanese student said he learned a lot during his visit here and enjoyed his stay with his host family.
The group arrived on Monday for a cultural exchange and homestay program and will be leaving today.
