On Thursday, when her group visited Grace Christian Academy, Hishizaki said she met lot of students who speak Filipino.
She told Variety there were only two full-blooded Filipinos in their school in Japan.
“I am so happy to meet new friends, especially the Filipinos,” she said.
Hishizaki, who was born in Davao City, in southern Philippines, resides in Matsumoto City with her parents.
On Sunday evening, the Saipan Business and Language Institute hosted a farewell party for the visitors at the Saipan Grand Hotel.
The group left yesterday after their five-day stay on island.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in his remarks at the party, expressed his appreciation to all those who supported the cultural exchange program.
“I want this program to continue. We will continue to support this program,” he said in his brief message that was translated into Japanese by Mami Ikeda.
The governor thanked Saipan Business and Language Institute president Ikuo Yoshizawa for arranging and coordinating the visit of the students.
The institute’s secretary Leilani P. Detabian said the farewell party was also attended by five congregates from the Aging Center, students and faculty from Grace Christian Academy, the host families of the Japanese students, and Uncle Ben’s Dance Group.
Also on hand to say goodbye to the Japanese students were Speaker Eli Cabrera, Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider, Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, Northern Marianas College President Sharon Y. Hart, NMC Board of Regents Chairman Juan T. Lizama and Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon C. Mafnas.
In an interview, Excellent High School principal Hidehiko Gomi said he is considering a sister-schools relationship with Saipan schools.
“We feel very honored by the warm hospitality of the people of Saipan, especially the students and the officials,” he said.
Flores, in his message, emphasized the importance of the student cultural exchange program.
”This is vital for our youth so that they can grow up with a deeper appreciation and understanding of another county’s culture and people,” he said.
He thanked the host families for accepting the Japanese students into their homes.
The visiting students stayed with their host families for two nights and experienced the island’s culture first hand.
Vinycia Seman, the mayor’s executive secretary, said they will be giving certificates of appreciation to the host families.
