By: Eustoria Borja
KOROR, Palau (Aug. 19, 2024) — A cultural exchange event held Monday at Maris Stella School Auditorium showcased the rich traditions of both Palau and Japan, bringing together students from Mindszenty High School and the crew of the Japanese destroyer JS Ariake.
From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., students and sailors took the stage at the Auditorium. The event featured a range of performances, including traditional dances and music, highlighting the cultural connections between the two nations.
Palauan students captivated the audience with a traditional war dance and chant, which are typically performed before battle. They also demonstrated a powerful war call using the conche shell, immersing attendees in a vivid display of Palau’s cultural heritage.
JS Ariake, a Murasame-class destroyer translates to “dawn/daybreak,” is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and is homeported in Sasebo, Nagasaki. The destroyer’s visit to Palau included a cultural program in collaboration with local students. The crew performed pieces on the trumpet and flute and led a Kendo demonstration. Kendo, a modern Japanese martial art derived from kenjutsu, features bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bōgu). The demonstration was interactive, allowing audience members to engage with the art form
Meu Akitaya, an 11th-grade student at Mindszenty High School, found the performances both entertaining and educational, expressing admiration for how Japanese culture was presented alongside Palauan traditions.
The event drew around 100 participants, including the crew of JS Ariake, and aimed to deepen cultural connections and foster friendship between the youth of Palau and Japan. Ryo Nishio, third secretary and head of the political affairs section at the Japan Embassy in Palau, emphasized the importance of such exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding and diplomatic relations.
This cultural exchange is part of a broader initiative to enhance the relationship between Palau and Japan, focusing on engaging young people in international diplomacy and cultural appreciation.