Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said the students will reside with their host families while in Saipan.
“There’s not much a problem with this visit because they will stay with the sponsor families,” he said.
During summer, however, when larger groups of Japanese students are on island, the mayor’s office arranges most of their activities.
The KSKK exchange program students visit Saipan twice a year — during summer and in December, Tudela said.
This month’s visit marks the 26th year that Saipan and the KSKK have exchanged students, said Jemalyn T. Tenorio, the Youth Programs Coordinator of the mayor’s office.
While on Saipan, Tenorio said the Japanese students will visit both historical and cultural sites.
The KSKK is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to “develop and enhance activities for international companionship between the youth of Japan and other nations.”
Tudela said his office will treat the students to a farewell party on Dec. 31.
He applauded the incoming Mayor, Donald Flores, for expressing support for the student exchange program.
Tudela is also hoping his successor will continue to participate in sister-city agreements with several Asian cities.
After his term ends in January, the agreements could be rescinded, he added.
“It’s a type of agreement that after I leave the office is no more,” he said.
Flores has yet to decide whether to continue this program which, Tudela said, “promotes tourism and business on Saipan.”
