Buddhist priest Shinryu Akita will take care of the shrine during his stay here on Saipan.
He decided to fly to the CNMI after 10 years in Hilo, Hawaii.
“Today nobody knows what’s inside the temple,” he said in an interview. Now the public can go inside and offer a prayer, and even take pictures.”
Akita said the reopening may help the local tourism industry.
When the temple was established 20 years ago, he said a Japanese professor maintained and administered the house for three years.
He was followed by an African Buddhist priest also served for one year after the Japanese professor left.
Since then, Akita said, the temple has been closed until March 1 of this year.
The temple was constructed through the efforts of the families of World War II Japanese soldiers, their relatives and friends.
Akita, now 81, said he has been serving as a priest for over 50 years now.
He said it was the intention of the Japanese people to construct the House of Prayer to console the souls of those who died here during the war.
Inside the temple is the “Bell of Power and Love” which was installed 15 years ago.
“Anyone who rings this bell vows eternal peace and love. Anyone who rings this bell will be blessed with great joy and happiness. The sound of the bell filled with peace and love will lead them to this special place someday again,” the inscription on the bell stated.
Also inside are images of three deities — Jibo Kannon, Baika Kannon and Amida Buddha.
Akita said the temple also has an offering box and a storage box which stores the books of deceased soldiers.
The House of Prayer is open everyday — except Sunday — from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Akita is asking the CNMI government to allow buses and taxis to park at the Sugar King Park for a long period of time.
He said taxi drivers told him they are only allowed to park in the area for 10 minutes.
“I hope the government can allow public transportation to use the parking lot at Sugar King Park so many tourists can come and visit the place,” he added.
