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Sanpoen group bids farewell to CNMI
A visiting Japanese exchange group said its final farewell to the CNMI last Tuesday, with the Saipan Mayor’s Office hosting a farewell party for the group at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan poolside.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang himself personally thanked the group for visiting the CNMI for the 41st time and hopes the tradition will continue with the Saipan mayors who would succeed him.
He also thanked the host families for opening their homes to these students while they were on island and wishes that more families can open their homes for the next Sanpoen visit.
Sanpoen high priest Kansho Kayaki thanked Apatang for once again inviting the group to the CNMI and hopes that the friendship between the group and the CNMI remains strong. He understands that Super Typhoon Yutu devastated Saipan and that the islands are still recovering.
“I am very thankful to the citizens of the CNMI and the consul of Japan for being here in support of our program,” Kayaki said.
He expressed regret that the CNMI was not able to send a group of students to Japan last February as the CNMI was still recovering from Yutu. He hopes to see CNMI students again when they visit Japan in February 2020.
This year’s visiting group consisted of 10 students and eight chaperones.
The students themselves enjoyed seeing the island’s scenery and tasting its many delicacies. One of the students, Keely McGreevy Ogiwara, a 12-year-old Japanese-American participant, loved the beaches and the hospitality of the people. She thanked her host family for treating her as if she were their own child, and thought Saipan was fun.
Sayuri Tami, 11, who enjoyed the local food and playing in the beach, hopes to come back next year.
