Overview:
A Japanese training and research vessel has brought a wave of cultural exchange and maritime education to Palau, where visiting students from Tokai University are experiencing the islands’ famed marine beauty firsthand. The ship Bosei Maru arrived in Koror during a 32-day educational cruise, drawing attention with shipboard festivities, traditional performances and enthusiastic praise from students captivated by Palau’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — A male student aboard the research vessel Bosei Maru couldn’t hide his awe at Palau’s underwater paradise. “I love it here, especially the water — it’s so clear and the corals are just so beautiful,” he gushed Friday after docking in Koror.
It’s a sentiment echoed by the crew. “I really like it here. It’s not my first time, and I especially love it because I love diving and the water here is so blue and clear. People here in Palau are so nice,” one crew member said.
The 2,174-gross-ton Bosei Maru, operated by Tokai University’s School of Marine Science and Technology, arrived as part of a 32-day Overseas Student Educational Cruise (OSEC) from Shizuoka, Japan, via Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Carrying 97 students, the ship — cruising at 13 knots — aims to immerse participants in foreign cultures, foster international perspectives and build camaraderie in its close-quarters environment, aligning with the university’s founding principles.
On March 6, festivities kicked off at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony on the aft deck. Prof. I. Ooe, Tokai University’s chief delegate, delivered opening remarks, followed by a welcome from Capt. C. Toyota, the ship’s master. Palau Community College President Tellei offered greetings, while JICA Palau Chief Representative Tsunenori Aoki and Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Kasahara raised toasts.
The evening unfolded into cultural exchanges in the student hall from 6:30 to 7:40 p.m., blending traditional Japanese performances with friendly chats. At 7 p.m., a judo demonstration lit up the aft deck, introduced by Palau Judo Federation President Jennifer Anson and led by JICA’s Shotaro Tabata.
The night wrapped at 7:40 p.m. alongside the quay with a student representative’s message, high-energy Bon Festival dances like Yosakoi-Soraran, a group photo and a 8 p.m. close.