A YEAR since his passing, two Saipan educators and their family members are paying tribute to Yasuo “Zorro” Miyazawa, the founder of Seisa Group which owns educational institutions that provide services to many countries and jurisdictions, including the CNMI.
Former Marianas High School Vice Principal Frances M. Sablan and former MHS Counselor Cecilia Tudela-Labausa will always remember Zorro, who passed away on March 23, 2022, for his love and friendship, and for touching people’s lives.
Sablan said three decades of cultural and sports exchanges between Miyazawa/Seisa Gakuen and Marianas High School, and then with San Antonio/Francisco M. Sablan Elementary School, were events she looked forward to every year.
She said three generations of her family participated in the annual ski & cultural exchanges in Japan.
“You are admired and honored by thousands throughout the world, especially on Saipan!” Sablan said in her written tribute to Zorro. “You made your dreams come true, which we shared. You were a force to reckon with. When you eyed your target, you locked it, and pursued it! Nothing stopped you from accomplishing your dreams. For this we are forever grateful. We miss you, my friend! Thank you for your love, friendship, hospitality and fond memories. You will live in our hearts forever.”
In her tribute to Zorro, Tudela-Labausa said she was so honored to have met and known a congenial man who wanted to demonstrate that world peace, understanding, and friendship among the peoples of the world could be accomplished.
She said Zorro made it his mission to create and establish a program for the youths of Japan and Saipan. The program has stood the test of time as it continues to thrive up to this day between Miyazawa Gakuen and MHS, she added.
“We are saddened by your passing Zorro, but you have made a program bigger than ourselves. Your friendship, with the late Bert and Doris Thompson, former teachers of MHS, started the program in 1987 with sport competitions. The program grew and expanded to include the homestay & ski program, Cultural Day festivities, and later the inclusion of younger students from San Antonio Elementary School. Our sister school friendship was formally recognized and sealed in 1994.”
Tudela-Labausa said the CNMI government, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Public School System, MHS, San Antonio/Francisco M. Sablan Elementary School, the Department of Public Safety, and the private sector assisted and collaborated with Zorro to make sure the program became successful.
Zorro, she added, was a man of perseverance, commitment and vision, who always explored ways to get things done.
“You have pledged and guaranteed the life of this program. Even when you were experiencing health issues, you made it a point to come. Wow, it has been almost 35 years. The experiences of our youths have molded them to become outstanding leaders today in our government, businesses, community and families. It is always eye-opening, broadening horizons, new skills and self-confidence that become the high point of our students’ experiences. They would also consistently include your interactions with them as one of a mentor, a friend, and a good joker too,” Tudela-Labausa said.
To Mrs. Miyazawa and family, Tudela-Labausa said: “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the life of your beloved Zorro. We truly miss him, and we can only imagine how content and happy he is resting in peace as we remember and celebrate his new life on his first death anniversary.”
Yasuo “Zorro” Miyazawa, center, with former Marianas High School Vice Principal Frances M. Sablan, second right, her husband Ed, third right, friend Kuniko Sasaki, right, children John and Ann, grandchildren Edelshia and Ryder in Yokohama, Japan on Jan. 24, 2020.
