SAIPAN Mayor David M. Apatang on Tuesday presented statements of appreciation to Japan Consul Kazuhiko Ono and his wife Masako Ono for their commitment to perpetuate the connection between Japan and Saipan.
The couple arrived on island in 2019 and are now headed to Taiwan.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you, Consul Ono and Mrs. Ono. We’ve really enjoyed your friendship and your partnership here on this beautiful island. Please take that to Taiwan and always remember us here on-island. Thank you very much,” said Mayor Apatang.
Consul Ono and Mrs. Ono, for their part, expressed their deep appreciation to Mayor Apatang and the community on Saipan.
“I am very honored and so grateful to receive such a prestigious statement of appreciation today. It’s just really wonderful. I never expected that I would be the recipient of this statement of appreciation. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who worked with me and shared with me the pleasure and honor of receiving this statement of appreciation. Also, I’d like to thank the many people who, during the past two years, assisted me. Without their help and support, this day would never come about,” said Consul Ono.
“Many of you know that my wife and I will be transferred to…the southern part of Taiwan, the second largest city in Taiwan, in a few days. I have very much enjoyed my time on Saipan over the past two years. Thank you very much, and, finally, I appreciate the honor, this statement of appreciation, conferred on me, and I will continue to do my very best.”
Mrs. Ono is known for her contributions to the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Office on Aging or the manamko’ center.
Consul Ono, for his part, initiated activities that strengthened the Northern Marianas’ relationship with Japan. These included various donations, bestowing of commendations on select community members, cleanup projects, as well as traditional festivals.
From 1914 to 1944, the Northern Marianas was administered by Japan.
From left, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, Masako Ono, her husband Japanese Consul Kazuhiko Ono, and Special Assistant to the Mayor Henry Hofschneider pose for a photo in the mayor’s conference room on Tuesday. (Story on page 3)
