The group, led by its principal Kenji Muramatsu, arrived here on Monday on a chartered flight for a cultural exchange program.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio welcomed the students in the Royal Taga Ballroom of the Saipan World Resort after the peace lecture conducted by tour guide and CNMI resident Yoneko Sakairi.
“We hope that you gain a greater knowledge of the history between Japan and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” Tenorio said.
Tenorio and PDI president Yoichi Matsumura presented a certificate of appreciation and Saipanda mascot to Muramatsu and the visiting students.
Muramatsu said his group will stay on Saipan for only four days but “we will learn and observe many things” while here.
In an interview with Variety, Muramatsu said they chose Saipan for this year’s cultural travel so that the students can enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
“The students will also learn about the history of war,” he added.
The visit, he said, will further strengthen the relationship between Japan and the CNMI.
“Our Japanese ancestors died here during the war and we feel sorry about that.”
Muramatsu at the same time invited Saipan students to visit Japan and see its “very unique nature and scenery.”
Yoshiki Akao, 16, said it was his first time to travel abroad.
“Their food is very different from ours,” he said through interpreter Hiroko Tajima of PDI.
Akao said they want to learn more about the cultures of Saipan.
On Thursday, the group will visit Marianas High School in the morning and return to Narita, Japan at 4 p.m.
Today the group will tour Managaha.
“I appreciate the warm welcome of the people. They are very friendly to us,” said Kana Nakazawa, 17.
