BY NED GAGAHE
Three Solomon Islanders currently studying in Japan under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) paid a courtesy visit to the Solomon Islands Honorary Consul in Tokyo, Mr. Kitano Takahiro.
The meeting, held in early August, marks the fellows’ first official engagement since their arrival.
The three Solomon Islanders are Benjamin Kiriau, Marlchom Row and Benjamin Pitakaka.
The visit began with warm introductions, as the fellows surprised the hosts by speaking in Japanese. The trio have only started learning the language the day before.
Their effort impressed both Mr. Kitano and Mr. Akita Takayuki, Director/Executive Officer of Kitano Construction Corp who also attended the occasion.
Each fellow shared their first impressions of Japan and outlined their study goals.
Mr. Kitano, who expressed fondness for Solomon Islands culture, praised the fellows’ enthusiasm and highlighted the shared values of peace and safety between both nations.
He encouraged the scholars to maintain close ties with the Consulate and assured them of their support throughout their academic journey in Japan.
Benjamin Kiriau expressed admiration for Japan’s natural beauty. He would like to learn how people contribute to economic development effectively supported by good infrastructure, especially those living in rural areas.
He also looks forwards to experiencing four seasons in Japan, especially winter season.
Upon arriving in Japan, Marlchom Row was struck by the country’s well-organized systems and the respectful demeanor of its people. He expressed a strong desire to learn from this experience and share his insights upon returning home.
Grateful for the opportunity, he also conveyed his enthusiasm to contribute to the national development of the Solomon Islands through the knowledge and perspectives he will gain during his stay in Japan.
Despite Japan’s high population density, Benjamin Pitakaka found Japan to offer a calm and peaceful environment—an ideal setting for academic research.
He hopes undertaking studies on national security at a Japanese university will contribute to strengthening Solomon Islands’ own security framework.
Pitakaka is also interested in learning about Japan’s policing approaches and security strategies and aims to identify practices that can be adapted in Solomon Islands.
Mr. Kitano acknowledged the uniqueness of Japanese culture and is also fond of Solomon culture.
He understands that the two cultures are different and respects both.
Mr. Kitano feels that Solomon Islands tends to be a peaceful country, and he appreciates that Japan also demonstrates a sense of safety—for example, it is common for lost wallets to be returned.
He encourages the JDS fellows to feel free to visit the Consulate office and to maintain close communication with the Consulate in preparation for future events.
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