I headed an APIC delegation to the Federal States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands from the latter part of February to the beginning of March this year.

Although I had previously visited several island nations in the South Pacific for work, this was my first time visiting the FSM and the Marshall Islands, both of which are situated above the equator. I was familiar with the island of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, and planning for this trip piqued my interest in the country further. This visit not only provided the opportunity to meet a number of people there, but also to expand my trove of knowledge on a myriad of topics.

The main purpose of this trip was to take part in an Environmental Seminar held in Micronesia. Participating Sophia University Professors Anne McDonald and Akemi Ori, alongside local government officials and representatives of private organizations held lively panel discussions on environment-related topics in Chuuk State, FSM. Topics such as waste management is a crucial issue for island sustainability. Additionally, I was overjoyed to reunite with former students and people who visited Japan through APIC’s programs, each who are pursuing activities in various fields. I was warmly greeted by the villagers on the rainy day I visited the site of the water tanks that APIC donated to the region. I saw firsthand how the tanks are benefiting the local residents. Another important visit was to Xavier High School, with which APIC and Sophia University work together through its scholarship program to admit its graduates to the University. We were enthusiastically welcomed by the students, their energy, like lightning, shook me to my core. I spoke with Fr. Kenny and Principal Carl to confirm the evident benefits of the program to date.

After the visit to Chuuk, I jumped on the “Island Hopper” once again, this time to the capital, Pohnpei Island. I paid courtesy calls to FSM President Simina, Vice-President Palik, and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Robert. They expressed their knowledge and appreciation of APIC’s various activities. I also visited the newly established United Nations Multi-Country Office in Pohnpei, demonstrating the strengthened UN support for the region.

After departing Pohnpei, by way of Kosrae, FSM and Kwajalein, the Marshall Islands, I arrived in the latter’s capital, Majuro. The island is almost completely flat, with it being a mere two meters above sea level. My first impression of the island was its American-like open and bright atmosphere. I arrived on February 29th, the day before the March 1st Remembrance Day of the nuclear bomb testing in the Bikini Atoll, and it was a full flight of foreign visitors arriving for the events the next day.
Climate change is threatening the reality of the Marshall Islands. At the time of my visit, a delay in approval by the U.S. Congress regarding funding for the Marshall Islands under the Compact of Free Association was a hot issue, but was resolved several days later.

The marks of 25 years of Japanese rule mandated by the League of Nations and the scars of WWII still remain throughout both countries. The importance that these islands hold for Japan cannot be stressed enough. On the other hand, this visit made me realize the vastness of the Pacific region. Economic development in the middle of the ocean is no easy feat. Produce and other daily groceries and necessities rely heavily on imports; to my surprise I even saw the popular Japanese chocolate candy “Pocky” on supermarket shelves.
This trip left me ruminating about how these countries can increase support from Japan and other donors, and also how they can develop while protecting the environment. I look forward to the outcomes of the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) to be held in Tokyo this month.