Handover Ceremony for Ngatpang State’s Grassroots Grant Project at Kokusai Park

On December 2^nd, 2025, Ambassador ORIKASA attended the handover ceremony for the modern, accessible bathroom constructed under the “The Project for the Construction of a Sanitary Facility for Kokusai Park in Ngatpang State”.

The ceremony was attended by Rebelkuul Felix Osilek, Rubeang Hiromi Nabeyama, Floor Leader of Ngatpang State Legislature Hon. John Techitong, Hon. Legislator Jerry Nabeyama, Hon. Legislator Elin R. Kloulechad, members of the Ngatpang women’s group Ngaramengidab and other community members, whose participation highlighted the importance of this project to the community.

Kokusai Park serves as a community gathering place for residents, where markets and cultural events are held. It also functions as an evacuation site during disasters. Installing accessible bathrooms and sanitary facilities (handwashing station, tanks etc.) in such a multipurpose facility is expected to improve public health conditions and enhance the living environment for residents and the people of Palau.

Highlighting the historical tie between Japan and the Ngatpang State, Ambassador ORIKASA stated in his remarks,“Everyone needs financial support, but when you are close friends or family, a lack of money doesn’t change the relationship. What truly matters is trust and mutual understanding. We work together, we sweat together, and sometimes we struggle and cry together. That is the Japan–Palau relationship—one built on trust, transparency, and accountability.” This GGP project is an endeavor that further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

The contract for the project was signed on October 11, 2024, with the funding from the Government of Japan totaling USD $92,694.00.