Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Consular Office of Japan in Saipan hosted a reception Thursday at the Fiesta Hall of the Grandvrio Resort Saipan in honor of Emperor Naruhito’s 66th birthday, which falls on Feb. 23.
Gov. David Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, other CNMI government officials, and members of the business community attended the celebration.
In his remarks, Consul Yoshiyuki Tomi thanked guests and reflected on the long-standing relationship between Japan and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“Needless to say, the CNMI — including Saipan — and Japan have a deep connection across a wide variety of fields since the early 20th century,” Tomi said. He noted that since arriving on Saipan, he has visited historical sites linked to Japan and met residents who continue to contribute to the community.
Acknowledging the region’s tragic past, Tomi emphasized that the friendship between Japan and the CNMI has endured and strengthened over generations. He highlighted the legacy of Haruji Matsue, known as the “Sugar King,” whose work from the 1920s through the 1940s helped modernize the region’s economy. Matsue’s 150th birth anniversary was commemorated on Jan. 15, with his grandson, Keiichiro Saeki, traveling to Saipan for events hosted by the NMI Museum of History and Culture and the consular office.
Tomi said media coverage of these events underscores the deep ties between the CNMI and Japan. Looking ahead, he pledged to strengthen cooperation through people‑to‑people exchanges, continued dialogue, and responsive consular services. “As a consular office that can be trusted, we will continue to fulfill our responsibility with sincerity,” he said.
Guests enjoyed Japanese, Western, and local dishes prepared by Grandvrio Resort Saipan, alongside Japanese sake, plum wine, and other beverages. Saipan’s sister city, Katori City in Chiba Prefecture, sent local specialties including “hoshi imo” (dried sweet potato) and hand towels, which were displayed at a special booth.
“We hope you enjoy this evening and take the opportunity to expand friendships and reconnect with old friends,” Tomi said, closing his remarks with well-wishes for continued Japan-CNMI relations.
Tomi, who arrived in December, joined Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992 and has served in Tokyo, Seoul, Jeju, Vancouver, and most recently at the Embassy of Japan in Morocco.
Lt. Gov. Mendiola led the toast, highlighting the shared history and mutual respect between the CNMI and Japan. “May our relationship continue to grow stronger through our cultural ties, economic partnership, and the enduring connection between our people,” he said.
Gov. Apatang also expressed appreciation for the close relationship. “The friendship between Japan and the CNMI is very close to our hearts,” he said. “Our friendship is reflected in our community, culture, and the many Japanese visitors who call the island their second home.”
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
