◆Briefing (APIC, AON Japan, JICA)
The day after their arrival, President of APIC Mr. Peter Sato gave a rundown of the leaders’ schedule during their stay, in addition to an explanation of APIC’s activities. Afterward the participants went over to AON Japan where they received a briefing regarding Japanese economics and business.
They later paid a courtesy call to Director Eshima of JICA, where they received a talk on garbage disposal challenges and how Japan is tackling those challenges. The leaders took a strong interest in JICA’s Pacific Leaders’ Educational Assistance for Development of State (Pacific-LEADS), which was part of the discussion.

◆APIC-Hosted Dinner

On the evening of the 23rd, APIC President Peter Sato hosted a welcome dinner for the two leaders at the Tokyo Club. Ambassador Fritz of Micronesia and Ambassador Matsutaro of Palau joined the dinner, as well as members of companies and educational institutions participating in the program. Senator Nakayama and Associate Justice Robert both gave their thanks for the weeklong invitation.

◆Kozu Island Tour
The participants visited Kozu Island (part of Tokyo) for two days from the 24th to 25th. Kozu Island is part of the Izu Islands and was chosen because of its similar size to Weno Island in Chuuk state. They visited each infrastructure and public facility with boundless energy, asking questions and further deepening their knowledge of each area. At the village office, they had a good discussion with the local assemblymen; later on the participants were invited to a dinner hosted by the village mayor where they showed their gratitude.

Places visited:
TEPCO power plant; fisherman’s cooperative facility; medical clinic; library; elementary school; Kozu Island Tourism Association; Akasaki Promenade; Kozu Island local museum; water treatment facility; Tanosawa district farmland; Kozu Island airport; Miura Bay scenic lookout; Miura fishing port; Koueisha paper production facility, etc.

◆Arakawa River, Supreme Court, and Embassy of Micronesia
On July 26th, Senator Nakayama and Associate Justice Robert visited the Specified Nonprofit Cooperation Arakawa Clean Aid Forum in Edogawa ward, and received an explanation about the NPO’s activities and the current state of the Arakawa River. There was a Q&A session about the education and consciousness of proper garbage disposal, where the participants were able to get a better understanding of the plastic waste problem in Chuuk State. Afterward, they paid a courtesy call to Justice Hayashi Keiichi (former ambassador to the United Kingdom) at the Supreme Court and received a briefing from the department in charge. Topics regarding the Japanese justice system, appointment of justices, and the inner workings of the Supreme Court were discussed. They were also able to observe the grand bench and petit bench of the Supreme Court. The end of the day was spent visiting the Micronesian Embassy and Ambassador Fritz, and following the visit the Embassy hosted a dinner for the participants.

◆Tokyo Sightseeing
On the 27th, the two participants did a sightseeing round of Tokyo, including Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Government offices, Shibuya, Diet building, the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, Akihabara, and other famous sights around Tokyo, fully enjoying themselves. While riding on the Tokyo subway they expressed their awe for the cleanliness and functionality of the system.
Before their departure the following day, Senator Nakayama and Associate Justice Robert were quoted as saying “we had great conversations with everyone we visited and came in touch with during our visit to Japan. We were also able to expand our knowledge about traditional Japanese culture and history. The sophistication of the capital Tokyo also left a big impression on us, including the high-speed ferry ride to Kozu Island, which was very comfortable”.