By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

OVER 400 tourists, including students, will be on island in May when the Wakai Nekko No Kai floating university from Japan arrives for its two-day annual voyage — its 39th to the Northern Marianas.
Yesterday, Wakai Nekko No Kai president Hideo Kato met with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to invite him to a dinner event on the ship.
The governor accepted the invitation, according to Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr.
He said the governor asked Kato to continue helping the CNMI promote itself among Japanese tourists“The governor also acknowledged Mr. Kato’s effort in continuously bringing together Japanese and CNMI students through an exchange program that has been going on for the last 39 years,” Reyes added.
The MV Fuji Maru will depart Tokyo Bay on May 3 and arrive here on May 8.
Traditionally, the passengers are given a special welcome ceremony by the Marianas Visitors Authority and local students.
At a newly built monument on Banzai Cliff in Marpi, Wakai Nekko No Kai will conduct a memorial service that will also be attended by local government officials and community members.
“Local students will have a cultural exchange program with the students from Japan to promote goodwill and friendship,” said Junichi Somei, operation and reservation manager of R&C Tours, which will assist the visitors on island.
Kato met with principals and administrators of local schools yesterday at the Hyatt Regency in preparation for the cultural exchange program.
Among the schools are Northern Marianas College, Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Saipan Southern High School, Grace Christian Academy and Mount Carmel School.
Wakai Nekko No Kai is a youth organization founded and chaired by Kato. It has been visiting the islands since 1968.
Kato, as one of the first exchange students from Japan, has supported this annual voyage “to promote world friendship across international and cultural boundaries” between Japan and the Northern Marianas.
Wakai Nekko No Kai “has introduced over 15,000 students to the Northern Marianas while fostering friendship among local students.”