Thanks to the support of the international community, Japan is making vigorous progress towards reconstruction in the earthquake and tsunami affected northeast of Japan, but recovery from the earthquake continues to be a pressing issue.

“We realise that this announcement is going to disappoint thousands of people around the world, but we hope people will understand how insensitive it would appear for the Japanese Government to give people free flights to Japan when the cities, towns and villages devastated by the tsunami are still in desperate need of funding for reconstruction. We also would not want people thinking that the generous donations given from around the world to aide those affected by the disaster was being spent on giving people free flights.

The places most popular with visitors to Japan – Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Osaka, Hiroshima, Sapporo and Okinawa – were outside the earthquake and tsunami affected areas. Please do not let the fact that there will be no free flights put you off visiting Japan. There are lots of great deals available and Japan is ready and waiting to welcome back visitors more warmly than ever before,” said Kylie Clark, Head of PR & Marketing, Japan National Tourism Organization.

To find out more about the deals available on flights and holidays to Japan, please visit www.seejapan.co.uk.

For more information about this matter, please visit the Japan Tourism Agency website at www.visitjapan.jp and Japan National Tourism Organization’s global website at www.jnto.go.jp. The Japan Tourism Agency statement on this annoucement can be viewed here.

Full story available here.

Teacher Steve Lang said the school put on a day of Australian culture for the students, with games of backyard cricket and Australian Rules and some authentic Aussie food. In return, the delegates, aged 18-30, performed traditional dances from Micronesia, Oman and Japan.

The Ship for World Youth sees students travel around the world, stopping in about five countries to experience local culture.

Mr Lang said Kedron students were given a window to future study and work opportunities in other countries. “It opens them up to stories and ideas from around the world,” he said. “It also shows them some insight into problems in the world that they can help fix.’”

This article appeared at http://northside-chronicle.whereilive.com.au/news/story/ship-for-world-program/ on Feb. 21, 2011.

Program official Tamae Saito said from Brisbane that the Fiji port of call left a lot of good memories for participating youths, a statement from the Information Ministry said. “Feedbacks we received from them were very positive and they appreciated all the work done by the Government of Fiji, alumni members and local volunteers. Thank you very much once again,” Ms Saito said in an electronic mail after the ship’s second port of call in Australia.

“The people at the schools and institutions warmly welcomed us, and youths learned greatly from their visits.”

Ms Saito said the traditional welcome ceremony was inspiring and it was a great honour for both ship officials and participants to meet and greet both the Prime Minister and the President of Fiji. “The cultural night was very well organised and splendid, thanks to the efforts made by your Government and the local volunteers,” Ms Saito said.

“The night was a highlight of the visit. The participating youths said they felt like ‘super stars’ and were excited to perform in front of the 2000 plus spectators.”

“The village visit was another highlight, and we will never forget those big smiles of villagers and the warm hospitality we received from the people,” she said.

Fijian delegate, Fenton Lutunatabua, said participants from other countries expressed their immense appreciation for the Suva port of call program and activities. “I now take this opportunity to thank the SWY alumni as well as the Ministry of Youth and everyone else involved with the port of call activities. For putting together the best port of call ever,” Mr Lutunatabua said. “On behalf of the Fiji delegation as well as everyone else from other delegations that left a piece of their heart in Fiji, vinaka vakalevu!.”

Meanwhile, the MV Fuji Maru called into Brisbane last week where SWY delegates visited various institutions including the Queensland University of Technology Education, the United Nations Youth Association, Conservation Volunteers Australia and a Police Citizens Youth Club as part of the port of call activities.

The article appeared at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=166281 on Feb. 17, 2011, and was written by Elenoa Baselala.

I can now say, this is true.

I was one of the few lucky members of the media invited for the Welcome Reception buffet dinner on board the Ship for the World Youth cruise vessel Fuji Maru on Thursday evening.

The invite read: The Ambassador of Japan in Fiji and The Administrator of the 23rd Ship for World Youth requests the pleasure of your company at a buffet reception on board the MS Fuji Maru at the Kings Wharf berth port of Fiji. The date was set for Thurday 1900 hours to 2100 hrs. (79pm to 9pm).

From The Fiji Times, only two – News reporter Monika Singh and myself. We felt honoured for this exciting priviledge.

A taste of Japanese hospitality on board the Fuji Maru.

Not wanting to arrive late, we left base around 6.45pm. The short ride to the wharf was a transportation relief considering it had been raining in the capital a few hours earlier. We were thankful to have had avoided muddy puddles, and the possibility of sweating had we walked. We get off at the main gate to security checks before clearance.

It’s a little after 7pm but its bright and the air is cool outside. Maca Lutunauga of Radio Fiji joins us as we make our way to the magnificent cruise ship now looming a few metres ahead. Armed with camera, tape recorder, and my curiosity, I pictured the scenario that awaited and went over in my mind story ideas and pictures that would make for an interesting feature.

At the foot of the ship’s ladder are three Japanese personnel who greet us and ask to see our invite cards.Then a polite gesture with their hand to give the go ahead to board the ship. As we clamber up the steps, someone mentioned that during the day trip, guests were asked to wash their hands. We were not.

At the top, more Japanese personnel, and ship officers all decked out in their white uniforms and hats, greet us.

Inside the cool of the elegant ship’s lounge, more Japanese staff with guest tags await. They take our invite cards and hand each person a “guest” name tag to wear.

The hospitality famously known to have been cultivated as a part of Japanese tradition now permeated the entire atmosphere. Neatly dressed staff in suits and uniforms had an ever-present smile and bowed politely as they greeted each arriving guest.

As we enter the dining hall, the scene is overwhelming. Beautiful women and men of various races, colours and languages all having a great time, with drinks in their hands chatting excitedly. The ship’s youths mingled into the colourful crowd.

As each distinguised guest makes their entrance, the MC makes the introduction in Japanese which is interpreted by a female staff in English. Present were the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and other representatives of the government of Fiji, the youth participants and other members who were travelling on the Fuji Maru, members of the Fiji Alumni of the SWY (Ship for the World Youths), diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests.

I could only observe in amazement as the efficient ship’s crew, hosts and hostesses, waiters and waitresses and even security guards made everyone feel comfortable, safe and very welcome in their quiet, casual and polite manner.

I had heard and read somewhere how the Japanese have an amazingly “polite” way of entertaining guests. This evening was no exception.

After the speeches, the ship’s administrator calls for a toast.

Waiters move quickly and open a carton of Lager beer on every table, and sets out at least a dozen glasses for guests to pour to their heart’s content before the raising of glasses. We are amazed by this gesture.

The toast is quickly followed by the opening of food heaters neatly set out on every table. Excited chatting starts again as everyone settles into a relaxed mode and indulge in fine wining and dining.

Delicious, mouthwatering Japanese cuisine emerged from under the lids in all its colour and perfection. Different fish, shellfish and other seafood made up the buffet, prepared in many different ways – raw, dried, boiled, grilled, deep fried, steamed.; rice dishes like sushi and fried rice, Sashimi (raw seafood) definitely enjoyed raw because they were fresh and prepared correctly, soya sauce and wasabi. One of my favourite was Tempura, a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that has been battered and deep fried. There were plates of crispy Tempura shrimp and vegetables, prawn, shrimp, squid, scallops, crab, and a wide variety of fish; chow mein dishes and Japanese fried rice.

There were meat dishes like yakitori – grilled chicken pieces on skewers, beef steaks coated in exotic seasonings, lamb, and coated chicken drumsticks.

We couldn’t resist skewered fish balls and meat balls dipped in creamy sweet and sour sauce. Yum!

Mouthwatering desserts of all sorts from Japanese cakes to ice cream and fruits were served on demand.

The seasonal delicacies were surely the topic of conversation (at least amongst our crowd it was!) as everyone savoured the delicious food with friends and associates.

Time seemed to flow fast, yet amidst all the talking, meeting and greetings, you find your mind at peace in a space filled with serenity – I guess that is the essence of Japanese hospitality.

This piece appeared at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=165498 on Feb. 6, 2011, and was written by Ruby Taylor-Newton.

The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau made the statement at the on-board welcome reception of the youths from the Ship for World Youth 23 in Suva on Thursday evening.

Ratu Epeli said people should ask themselves if they ever took the time to understand the problems and issues of young people. “The arrival of you, youth delegates very early in the new year presents a welcome opportunity to explore the challenges facing our youths as a global family,” he said.

Ratu Epeli said countries often faced similar problems when trying to develop their youths. He said leaders so often attempted to overcome the hurdle with solutions from their own countries and towns.

“There are certainly ways of overcoming developmental challenges with our own solutions. But the youth stage of life is rather difficult as numerous studies have shown, this is the time when every individual has to make the transition from being a child to being an adult,” he said.

Ratu Epeli said the transition was fairly easy and everyone in the world has had their share of young people being involved in high risk activities during this period. He said effective solutions could always come by way of collaborations across communities, cities and nations, particularly when faced with enduring problems that plagued the development process.

Ratu Epeli said he expected the 11 Fiji participants of the program to totally absorb the skills developed in the program and become involved in developing post program activities that would benefit Fiji, their communities and the global community. He said the SWY 23 presented to Fiji and the other participating countries an opportunity not just for future national decision makers like the youths to form platforms for collaborations for sake of their peers but also for the future of their nations.

“For the 11 Fiji delegates, the program will act to promote future understanding and friendship between Fiji and the participating countries of Japan, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, FSM, Oman, Solomon Islands, Sweden, Tanzania, and Vanuatu.

“They will cultivate international relations and foster relationships and establish international relations between participants,” he said. He said the SWY program in this sense supported the government’s efforts to reassert itself to regain its rightful place in the regional and international community of nations as articulated in its road map to democracy.

“Our participation in this program will certainly help not only to recruit but also to prepare our overseas representatives as early as possible. So we are indeed indebted to the Japanese government for the program,” he said.

The program started in 1989 and since then 120 Fiji youths have been part of the program.

A Vanuatu youth delegate enjoying the Fijian hospitality after the official welcoming ceremony in Suva.

The article appeared at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=165400 on Feb. 5, 2011, and was written by Monika Singh.

Swedish Youth Delegates board the MS Fuji Maru after the official welcoming ceremony in Suva, Fiji

YOUTHS on board the Ship for World Youth, MS Fuji Maru, met with the Prime Minister of Fiji during a courtesy call on Thursday.

Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama greeted the 300 plus delegates and welcomed them to Fiji.

“Over the three-day stopover, you will get other opportunities to experience other aspects of our country, our culture and most importantly our people.

“I do hope you will learn as much as possible and begin to lay foundations for lifelong friendships,” he said.

Commodore Bainimarama said he was sure the youths would agree with him when he said solid international cooperation and partnerships were made simply on foundation of good friendships and mutual understanding.

“This is exactly what the Ship for World Youth program represents to Fiji-opportunities to build youth friendships and forge lifelong partnerships based on respect and mutual understanding with your countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, the participants from the program visited the University of the South Pacific yesterday.

The purpose of the World Youth Program is to foster international cooperation and promote friendship between the young people of Japan and other countries. Participants are required to contribute to cultural exchange activities on board the ship and shore visits, and to contribute to study and discussions of subjects of common interest.

Countries participating in the program this year are Japan, Fiji, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Oman, Solomon Islands, Sweden, Tanzania and Vanuatu.

Youth delegates from Mexico show off their colourful attire during the official welcoming ceremony at the Suva Civic Auditorium. Picture: ADI BULI NACOLA

The article appeared on The Fiji Times Online at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=165401 on Feb. 5, 2011.

International youth delegates during their visit to SOPAC. Dr Russell Howorth, right, speaks on climate change.

This article appears in The Fiji Times Online at http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=165405 on Feb. 5, 2011, and was written by Ioane Burese.

“What are your plans to assist yourself, your family, friends, community and country address the climate change challenge?”

Dr Russell Howorth, director of SPC Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC), issued the challenge to the more than 40 international youth delegates from the 23rd Ship of World Youth Program who attended a presentation by SOPAC scientists on their work within the region on climate change.

The presentation was held at SOPAC headquarters in Suva.

Dr Howorth said in a statement climate change had gained pre-eminence in the debate on development at all levels, national, regional and global.

“The ocean is often referred to as the engine room of the global climate,” said Dr Howorth.

“It occupies nearly three quarters of the earth’s surface and stores most of the incoming energy from the sun.

“Not only is the Pacific Ocean the largest physical feature on earth, here in the SOPAC region over 95 per cent of the environment is the Pacific Ocean.

“Most of SOPAC’s work is indirectly, if not directly, linked to assisting its island members respond to the climate change challenge, and assisting island communities ensure effective adaptation strategies are in place, and sustainable.

“This requires understanding the potential impacts of climate change, and understanding requires information that comes from timely ongoing scientific and technical data collection.

“Put simply, this is the very rationale for SOPAC.”

Dr Howorth explained that climate change was not discernable on a daily basis, “it is about daily weather events and in particular, extreme weather events, that are changed slowly over time, and whose frequency and intensity may be increasing”.

He said climate change brought another dimension to a whole range of environmental, social and economic issues to which small island developing states around the world were vulnerable, and it was key to understand how the adverse impacts will affect communities in SOPAC’s island members.

Information is essential to understanding what has happened in the past, and what is happening today. Will the frequency and intensity of events increase and thereby, so will the social and economic impacts? Is our capacity to cope increasing, or has it in fact diminished or even been lost?

“Once island communities have this information they can design and implement adaptation strategies that are underpinned with a ‘No Regrets’ approach,” said Dr Howorth.

He concluded by saying he hoped the future role of the youth delegates would hinge around “providing No Regrets adaptation strategies: plant drought resistant and salt resistant crops, secure fresh water supplies by fixing leaking pipes and/or taps, build buildings to required building codes, do not build on the high tide line or in river channels”.

The 23rd Ship for World Youth Programme, operated by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, involves 144 young people from Japan and a further 144, made up of 12 delegates from each of the partner countries of Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Mexico, Oman, Solomon Islands, Tanzania and Vanuatu.

Rioseco told FBC News, that Fiji and Chile share a lot of similarities in culture and tradition. “It’s amazing to see the cultures come together and merge and even though we are very different, we come to get something in common. We have similarities and that is great. The Fijian delegation we have become very close because we are very similar. They are always smiling and they are very happy, and they play sports and they are very good at parties too, and we have some things in common and that has been great.”

Rioseco hopes to go back to Chile and teach her students about world peace. “I want to teach them mutual understanding, I want to teach them how to achieve peace, I want to learn everything from different countries. The way they teach the students on how the economy of each country works, the way voluntarism work works.”

A bank business advisor from Bahrain is amazed at the hospitality accorded to the 300 young people sailing on board the peace boat – Fuji Maru. Buddor Kamal is part of the Bharain delegation sailing around the world – as part of the 23 Ship for World Youth – which called into Suva port yesterday.

Kamal told FBC News she knows very little about Fiji, but her short experience yesterday has made her respect Fijian culture and tradition. “It’s an amazing experience you get to learn about the different cultures and ways of living. We are put together in different cabins with different people from the participating countries and it’s really amazing and really, really happy to be in the Fiji islands. Great people and I’m so happy to be here. I’m so happy to learn about the kava. I invite everyone in Fiji to visit Bharain.”

Oman national leader Ahmad Al- Hooti at the Welcome Reception on board the Fuji Maru.

Also on board the 23rd Ship for World Youth is Oman delegation leader Ahmad Al- Hooti. Al Hooti says the participants have learned to appreciate each other on the voyage. “Actually it was hard for some of us because the ship keep shaking all the time because the waves and change of the weather from country to country from sea to sea almost our friendship and our gathering as a youth keeps us at least forget the tears and pains and keep on thinking of each other and this keeps us enjoying the journey.”

This article is from http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=34136 on Feb. 2, 2011 and from http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=34126 on Feb. 3, 2011, which were both written by Maca Lutunauga.