Hachioji CampusFaculty of Education Professor Honored as Marianas Tourism Ambassador

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Kyoko Nakayama of the University Faculty of Education Department of Elementary Education Professor was appointed Honorary Tourism Ambassador by the Marianas Visitors Authority at Teikyo University Hachioji Campus. Honorary Tourism Ambassadors are awarded to individuals who have made long-term contributions to the promotion of the Marianas and the Marianas tourism industry. Professor Nakayama's past activities were highly evaluated and led to this appointment.

Professor Nakayama has been conducting research on culture, history, and education in the Mariana Islands since 2007, and has published books and papers. In 2013, we established the Chamorro dance group Guma' Famagu'on Tano' Yani Tasi (meaning Children of the Earth and Sea) with student volunteers from the Department of Department of Elementary Education in Faculty of Education at our university, and have held international exchange events and collaborated with Teikyo University Elementary School We have been involved in activities such as the work project ``What is a Chamorro?'' Additionally, in January 2018, the Teikyo University Museum held a special exhibition titled ``The truth about the southern paradise Mariana Islands: Do you know Guam, Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Islands?'' Together with Professor Nakayama, the students learn about Chamorro history through dance, and deepen their learning by thinking about developed and developing countries and themselves.

On the day of the appointment ceremony, Mr. Christopher A. Concepcion, Director General of the Marianas Visitors Bureau, presented the plaque and thanked Nakayama Professor for his continuous efforts in communicating about the Mariana Islands through his writings and education. After the presentation, Nakayama Professor presented Mr. Concepcion with a blue Daruma doll, symbolizing the Mariana Sea, and performed songs such as "Children of the Land and Sea" and "My Land" in Chamorro language, which was met with applause from the audience. Finally, the group visited Teikyo University Museum, where Nakayama Professor serves as Deputy Director, to preview the venue for an exhibition on the Mariana Islands scheduled to run from May to August 2024. We will continue to work with the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Click here for details on Professor Kyoko Nakayama's efforts.
Click here for past exhibitions
Click here for information on the Guma' Famagu'on Tano' Yani Tasi event.

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