The ceremony was highlighted by the floating of at least 300 lanterns dedicated to those who perished here during the war.
The 30 Sanpo-en students, who are from Nagoya, prepared the lanterns in the school gym, using materials they brought with them from Japan.
Kansho, founder of the Sanpo-en International Cultural Exchange Association, said yesterday’s ceremony marked their 30th memorial service on island.
“We always remember them and we don’t forget,” Kansho said.
He first visited Saipan 50 years ago and has, since then, established a good relationship with the island’s officials, including the first CNMI governor, Dr. Carlos S. Camacho.
The annual cultural exchange program is very important in promoting the relationship between Japan and the CNMI, Kansho said.
This year also marked the 25th annual visit of Saipan students to Japan.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela said his office will hold a “sayonara” party for the visitors on Aug. 3 at the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion on Beach Road in Susupe at 6 p.m.
Olinka C. Chaudhry, the mayor’s youth program coordinator, said Tudela is inviting all cultural exchange students who have traveled to Japan from 1978 to the present year to attend the gathering.
Chaudhry said all local families who hosted visiting Japanese students are also encouraged to attend.
