On Tuesday, the group conducted a memorial service led by Buddhist Priest Shinryu Akita.
Hirokio Tajima of PDI said this year’s visit was very significant for the Gifu Prefecture Bukkyokai members.
“Some of them are too old to travel and could no longer visit here,” she said.
Since the structure was built 19 years ago, only a few members have returned to Saipan, Tajima said, adding that some of the visitors are here for the first time.
Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the temple and Tajima said the members have already signified their interest to return to the island to celebrate the event.
Last April, the temple, which is called the Saipan International House of Prayer, was opened for the first time in 16 years.
Akita is now taking care of the shrine after a 10-year stint in Hilo, Hawaii.
The construction of the temple was made possible through the efforts of the Reverend Akita of Shizuoka, Japan and the relatives and friends of the Japanese who died here during the war.
The House of Prayer is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
