駐日ミクロネシア連邦大使：ジョン・フリッツの日々前進！

Summary

Establishment of Kochi-Micronesia Friendship Exchange Association

— Kizuna and ties from Koben Mori —

June 4, 2013

Kochi-Micronesia Friendship Exchange Association was established between Kochi and FSM, where many descendants of Kobe Mori (1869-1945) live. Representing the FSM Government, Ambassador John Fritz attended the gathering with much anticipation for the promising activities the Association holds. A direct flight is scheduled this October with hopes to “bridge the two countries through people to people exchanges”.

In 1892 Koben visited Micronesia as a trader where he married and had 11 children. While working he spent much of his wealth in building school, contributing to the development of Micronesia. His descendants, well known as the Mori Family, now work at various posts of the Government and private companies. The current President Emanuel Mori is also a descendant of Koben.

Koben taught his children not to forget Tosa—many of them have visited Kochi including President Mori in 2008 and 2010.

Mr. Yamamoto, who is a distant relative of Koben and a key player in this establishment, welcomed visiting Mori Families on each occasion, and himself visited FSM last year in June. The supports from Kochi Prefecture and Kochi City are very instrumental in the establishment of the Association this year which coincides with the 25^th year of Japan-FSM Diplomatic relations, Mr. Yamamoto remarks, “I wish to bridge cultural exchange with Micronesia”.

Governor Ozaki and Ambassador Fritz were among other 10 board members that took part in the establishment ceremony. Mr. Farmer Doi of Tosa Prefectural Assembly who resides in Niida of Kochi City (same as Koben) was elected as the new Chairman and Governor Ozaki as the Honorary Chairman, while 12 others sat on the board. The initial members numbered at 130, including individuals and groups.

It was agreed at the board meeting that; 1) a direct flight will visit FSM for 5 days 4 nights in October this year, 2) should there be visitors from FSM to Kochi they will be welcomed and, 3) conduct a meeting at least once a year. After the assembly, more than 100 individuals gathered for a reception.

Mr. Yamamoto remarks, “We wish to deepen people to people exchange and we hope to pass this on to the next generation for them to carry on.”

大使館と同じ区にある、港区立高陵中学校２年生の生徒さんが、異文化を学ぶ課外授業として大使館を訪問されました。多くの大使館が立ち並ぶ港区。その中で、ミクロネシア連邦を選んで訪れてくださり、ありがとうございます。事前によく調べていて、ミクロネシア連邦の自然や文化、日常生活、国名や国旗の意味など、多岐にわたって質問が飛び交いました。これを機にミクロネシア連邦の魅力をさらに知っていただき、ぜひお友達やご家族にもお伝えしてください。近いので、いつでもまた遊びに来てくださいね！（※後日、御礼のお手紙を英文でいただきました。）

Summary

Ambassador and Embassy staff welcomed five second grade students from Koryo Junior High School in Minato-ku, Tokyo., who visited the Embassy to learn about the FSM as part of their school program to learn different cultures. Most of the Foreign Embassies are located in Minato-ku, and thanks to the students for selecting the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia. The students were fully prepared beforehand and there were many basic questions asked including the nature, culture, life in FSM, meaning of FSM flag and many others. Hope they can share  their  experiences with friends and families and look forward to continue the friendship.

内閣府大臣政務官の山際大志郎衆議院議員を表敬訪問し、日本とミクロネシア連邦、また太平洋地域との関係と展望について語りました。また、ミクロネシア連邦友好議員連盟の更なる発展について、意見交換をしました。これからもどうぞ宜しくお願い致します。

Summary

Ambassador paid a call on Honorable Daishiro Yamagiwa, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, to exchange views re the cooperative relations between  Japan, Micronesia and the Pacific region, and also discussed about the FSM-Japan Parliamentarian Friendship League.

アジア太平洋こども会議・イン福岡（APCC）の皆様がご来館されました。APCCは毎年夏に、アジア・大洋州の４０を超える国・地域から“こども大使”を招聘し、キャンプやホームステイを通して青少年の育成を推進しています。　本年、創立２５周年を迎えられ、今年は交流の他に、食に関するイベントを開催する予定だということです。 今回はそのイベントの打ち合わせの為、お越しいただきました。未来を担う子どもたちにとって、人生の原点ともなりうる経験をサポートされる素晴らしい事業です。これからも宜しくお願い致します。

Summary

Members of the Asia Pacific Children’s Convention (APCC) Secretariat in Fukuoka visited the Embassy to discuss about this year’s APCC’s events as part of the  celebration of the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the APCC. Children Ambassadors from over 40 countries and territories in Asia and Pacific region visit Fukuoka every year to  take part in cultural exchange activities including home stay and camping. This year’s events will include food culture and many other activities as part of the 25th celebration. Kosraen students will participate and look forward to work with the Fukuoka team for a successful event.

神奈川県の藤沢市議会議員の皆様とお会いし、ミクロネシア連邦友好議員連盟の発足について意見交換をしました。現在、中央政府での議員連盟はありますが、市区町村ではこれからです。第一号の発足が実現することを心待ちにしています。

Summary

Ambassador held a friendly meeting with members of Fujisawa City Assembly, who have keen interest in establishing a friendship league at the City Assembly level. It was an informal gathering to exchange opinions on how to move forward with the concept. There is an existing friendship league at the national level, but once established, it will be the first type of friendship league at the municipal level.