CNMI government officials and business community members were among those who joined the celebration of the Japanese emperor’s 64t birthday at the Fiesta Hall of Grandvrio Resort Saipan on Thursday.
The Consular Office of Japan on Saipan led by Consul Ryoji Takagaki hosted the 64th birthday celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Fiesta Hall of Grandvrio Resort Saipan on Thursday.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios delivers his remarks.
THE Consular Office of Japan on Saipan led by Consul Ryoji Takagaki hosted the 64th birthday celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Fiesta Hall of Grandvrio Resort Saipan on Thursday.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, other CNMI officials and business community members were among those who were invited to the event.
In his remarks, Takagaki expressed his appreciation to all who were present. He also noted that on Jan. 1, “a devastating earthquake struck Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture claiming the lives of more than 230 people. I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and wish for the swift recovery of the affected region.”
He said “the supportive words received from honorable Lt. Governor Apatang and the people of the CNMI were heartwarming and made me once again feel the strong bond between Japan and the CNMI.”
He added, “I sincerely do hope that more Japanese will visit and experience the beautiful nature, culture, and kind hospitality of the islands, along with further strengthening the relationship between Japan and the CNMI.”
Governor Palacios, in his remarks, echoed the consul’s sentiment. “I’m very happy to see that we continue this strong relationship and hope for an enduring bond for the people of the Commonwealth and the people of Japan,” he added.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Christopher Concepcion, in an interview, said, “We are very pleased to be a part of this celebration of the 64th birthday of the emperor of Japan. The father of this current emperor visited Saipan in 2005 in honor of the war dead, and so we’re pleased to be able to continue celebrating the birthday of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. It goes to show our long historical ties with the people of Japan.”
The NMI was administered by Japan from 1914 to 1944.
As part the celebration, Tomonori Ito, the mayor of Saipan’s sister city of Katori, Japan, sent the sweet potato snacks that were on display at the event and served to the guests. The potato snacks are Katori City’s specialty.
Mayor Ito’s message was read by James Sakamoto, a staffer of the Japan Consulate:
“After the Saipan-Katori shrine was rebuilt in 1985, Katori Jingu Shrine officials fostered exchanges with the people of Saipan and the Japan Association of the Northern Marianas Katori by traveling to Saipan every year for the annual festival. Taking advantage of this connection, we expanded to exchanges between both our cities, in 2019 and on Oct. 29, 2020, we signed our sister-city agreement. In Oct. 2023, we made our first visit to Saipan…since the signing of the agreement. During this time, we exchanged ideas with Saipan Mayor Ramon Camacho and other involved parties. We would like to once again thank the people of Saipan for their exceptional hospitality and care during our stay,” Ito said.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Christopher Concepcion with PDI President Masanori Takahashi and members of the Japanese Society of the NMI pose for Variety.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang poses with Marianas Variety President Amier C. Younis, his wife Jen Younis, and United Filipino Organization officials.
