Due to the Covid-19 pandemic around the world, representatives from Katori Shrine, Chiba, Japan could not physically come to Saipan this year. Therefore, we decided to conduct a remote ceremony which made it possible for them to attend virtually.
Honorable David M Apatang, Saipan mayor, Honorable Kazuhiko Ono, Japan consul, Ms. Priscilla M Iakopo, Marianas Visitors Authority managing director, Mr. JM Guerrero, former Marianas Visitors Bureau managing director, and his wife, as well as some members of the Japanese Society of Northern Marianas participated in the ceremony while observing social-distancing rules.
“The annual Katori Shrine ceremony and the Autumn Festival have always been the highlight events every October in Saipan, enjoyed by hundreds of visitors and residents of Saipan. The ceremony this year is clearly a variation of how past ones were held,” said Saipan Mayor Apatang in his speech. “But no matter the environment we find ourselves in, it is how faithful we are in performing the ceremony that truly counts.”
The 35th anniversary of the Saipan Katori Shrine revival was held on Nov. 7, 2020, at Sugar King Park. The ceremony was organized by the Japanese Society of the Northern Marianas. For its part, the Marianas Visitors Authority provided tents, chairs, and drinks in support of the annual event. Contributed photo
People who attended the ceremony viewed the old photos of Saipan Katori Shrine and the current photos of Katori Shrine in Japan. Honorable Takeshi Katori, chief priest of Katori Shrine in Chiba, Japan, sent this message: “Over the years, we highly appreciate your generous support not only from Japanese people but also from the local dignitaries. We hope Saipan recovers from this difficult time as fast as possible and people go back to their normal life.”
Katori Shrine in Chiba is one of the oldest and high-grade shrines in Japan. Katori Shrine contributes to the ties of friendship between the people of the NMI and Japan for many years now.
Katori Shrine also sent safety and health amulets to the Japanese who live in the CNMI. These were presented at the ceremony which started at 11 a.m. and ended at 11:45 a.m. It was a simple and short ceremony but it meant a lot to the participants.
The author is the vice chairwoman of the Japanese Society of the Northern Marianas.
