Remarks by Consul General Kamo at the Welcome Reception 

for the visiting junior Ambassadors from Fukuoka 

under the students exchange program of the Asia Pacific Children’s Convention

March 27, 2012

Good Morning!

Welcome to Honolulu.  

It is my great pleasure to be here with you to welcome the young people from Fukuoka. I know what it is like to be after a hectic overnight flight from Japan, as I did that only two days ago.

I am here to deliver two English messages and one Japanese message. Obviously, the first English message goes to you, volunteers who will open your home to the visiting young people from Japan. Without your kind gesture and commitment to the program, this would not have been possible. You are the driving force of this exchange program. I wholeheartedly admire for your generosity and goodwill. Please enjoy the young people from Japan by making them happy at your home.

The other English message I carry is for the Japan-America Society of Hawaii. JASH is instrumental in bridging Hawaii and Japan by coordinating the exchange programs of this kind over the years. This is the third time that JASH receive the junior Ambassadors from Fukuoka. Each time, the young people from Japan gained a lot out of their Hawaii experiences. I hope that JASH will continue to get involved in this crucial exchange program in which the young people from the two sides, Japan and Hawaii will learn from each other and enjoyed interaction and build up friendship.

さて、皆さん。ようこそホノルルにいらっしゃいました。みんな、今私が何を言ったか分かりましたか。ホノルル滞在が４日間とは一寸短いね。あっという間に時間が経ってしまうと思うけれど、元気にハワイのホームステイを経験して、日本に帰ってからも、ハワイの友達との交流を続けてください。

Thank you.