Saipan Mayor “RB” Camacho and local hosts pose for a photo with Japanese exchange students and their chaperone during a farewell banquet hosted the Saipan Mayor’s Office on Monday.
THE Saipan Mayor’s Office hosted six students and their chaperone from Japan’s KSKK International Exchange Program for a one-week stay on island. While here, the students stayed with local host families who introduced them to local lifestyles and customs.
During the day, the students participated in a wide variety of activities with a cultural and educational emphasis. The students visited locations of historical and cultural influence around the island such as the CNMI Museum, the American Memorial Park museum, Sugar King Park, Banzai/Suicide Cliff, the Last Command Post, and others. This portion of the program was to educate the students on the history and significance of Saipan. Although many of the students didn’t have much knowledge about the war, the trip provided insights into pre-war Japanese life as well as the history, struggles, and sacrifices, made by all people, especially the local people.
They also got a chance to learn about local culture through activities such as mwaar-making, banana painting, and other activities. The students were very interested in that crafts and materials such as fresh flowers and leaves that were not widely available in Japan.
Aside from educational activities, the students got to enjoy recreational time on island with visits to the Saipan World Resort Water Park, Managaha as well as shopping trips to Joeten, I Love Saipan, ABC store, and more. During the weekends, the students got to spend time with their local host families.
On Monday evening, the students and their families were treated to a farewell banquet hosted by Mayor “RB” Camacho and the Saipan Mayor’s Office. Camacho warmly thanked the students and their host families for their visit and strongly encouraged to talk about their experiences on Saipan to their friends and families back home in Japan.
The students in return expressed their gratitude to their host families and to Mayor Camacho for having them and the kind and warm experiences they had during their stay. The students then put on a small performance including a song and the traditional Japanese “Soran Bushi” dance. Afterwards the kids showcased traditional Japanese crafts, arts, and games to their host families. At the end of the night all six students and their chaperone were handed certificates of appreciation and small gift bags by Mayor Camacho who wished them a safe journey home.
The Saipan Mayor’s Office International Exchange Program serves as a platform for cultural exchange, allowing students to immerse themselves in the local culture, customs, and traditions. This cultural exchange not only enriches the educational experience of the students but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among local communities. Additionally, by staying with local host families, students have the opportunity to experience authentic aspects of our island, in hopes that they will one day return back to Saipan.
We highly encourage local families to participate in this unique cultural experience and are always looking for host families for upcoming exchange groups.
For more information on the exchange program you may contact exchange program coordinator Hiroko Tenorio at htenorio@mos.gov.mp or call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at (670)234-6208. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is also open through lunch.
