The program, he said, is very important for the island’s economic activities. He did not disclose how much will he propose for the program.
Yesterday, nine students from the International Youth Association of Japan, or KSKK, cultural exchange program visited the mayor’s office.
The group, headed by Minoru Taniguchi, a high school physical education teacher, arrived on July 25 and will be on island until Aug. 1.
Flores said the students are staying with local families on Saipan.
Taniguchi said it was his third visit to the island.
“It’s a very good program and children learn about many things about the culture and tradition of the local people,” he said.
He said the Japanese students enjoy visiting the popular tourist spots and recreational areas of Saipan.
Flores said the Public School System through Hopwood Junior High School principal Jonas Barcinas has been very supportive.
PSS, he said, provided the mayor’s office a van that could be used in transporting the visiting students.
KSKK has been sending cultural exchange students to Saipan since it established the program over 30 years ago.
Vinycia Seman, the mayor’s executive secretary, said another group of Japanese students will be coming next week.
The pilgrimage group of Sanpoen Youth Organization, which will be accompanied by Buddhist priest Kanasho Kayaki, will arrive on July 29.
The Sanpoen group will hold an annual prayer for peace for those who died here during the war.
Seman said they need more homestay volunteers to accommodate the increasing numbers of Japanese students participating in the cultural exchange program.
