THE new head of the Consulate Office of Japan on Saipan, Ryoji Takagaki, and his staff member James Sakamoto recently visited Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang at the mayor’s office in Oleai.
In their March 22, 2022 meet-and-greet, Mayor Apatang expressed his deepest appreciation to Consul Takagaki for visiting him and the opportunity to talk about how Japan and Saipan can continue their wonderful relationship that began more than a century ago.
“We are excited about the future for Japan and Saipan, despite the pandemic that has impacted travel between Japan and Saipan,” said the mayor.
“Last year, Katori City Mayor Seichi Ui and I concluded a sister-city agreement in a virtual ceremony and it is my hope that your office will continue to be a part of our sister city relationship and our student exchange program, which gives many young students a unique opportunity to experience our way of life here in Saipan and also life in Japan,” the mayor told the new consul.
“It is our duty to make sure our young generations know our long history and our commitment to peace,” said the mayor.
“I am excited to be here on this beautiful island of Saipan,” said Consul Takagaki.
“It is my hope that I can continue the work of my office here in serving our Japanese community and working alongside the CNMI government and your office,” the consul added.
“The pandemic is very difficult for many people, and it is my hope that our way of life will return to normal in Japan and Saipan and everywhere in the world soon,” the consul said.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, left, shakes hands with Japan’s new consul to the island, Ryoji Takagaki, during a meeting at the mayor’s office on March 22, 2022. Also in the photo is the mayor’s special assistant, Henry Hofschneider.
