I first saw this dilapidated structure three Februaries ago, obvious leftovers from the bloody war and left to the harsh elements of nature. Without the budding flame trees that created a contrast with the present state of the structure and the sign that says “Old Japanese Jail,” I would have thought it was just another ordinary building.
If you pass by without paying too much attention, you would just see part of the walls that are left standing and not give much notice to the cells, the holes from bullets and blasts and more scars on the walls, and all the horrible stories they keep.
I have observed elder tourists wander inside and around the old Japanese jail with tears in their eyes as they remember the horrors of the war. The younger guests go around the structures without so much emotion although they might have heard stories about the place from their parents and grandparents.
I have attempted to come inside the jail a couple of times but have always backed out at the last minute because I cannot control the goose-bumps I feel. But I will, one of these days.
Looking at the narrow hallway separating the two rows of prison cells, one can’t help but imagine how terrible it must have been for the prisoners.
Browsing online, you will learn that the old Japanese jail was constructed in 1929 and was used up to the time the war started.
Rumors have it that Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, was imprisoned inside one of the cells for the last months of her life.
Beautify CNMI and other organizations help restore and clean up the old Japanese jail every now and then. When you can, spare a few moments to drop by at this historical landmark on Saipan whose walls and bent bars carry volumes of told and untold heart-rending stories.
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