HUNDREDS of residents attended the Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands’ annual Autumn Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Sugar King Park despite the rain.
Hiroko Tenorio of the Japanese Society of the NMI said there were five food booths, three drink booths, and five game booths at the festival. The Japanese Society also conducted a “garage sale” bazaar.
Most of the performances had to be canceled, Tenorio said, but the Saipan Awaodori Team still went on stage as scheduled.
The visiting priests and officials from Katori Shrine in Japan also handed out toys and treats to island children as part of the scheduled festivities.
Seiji Sato, the Japanese Society of the NMI president, said the Katori Shrine priests still held a ceremony at the Saipan Katori Shrine at Sugar King Park, but the public invite for island residents and leaders was rescinded due to weather concerns.
“We canceled the invite because of safety concerns,” Sato said, referring to the strong winds and rain on Saturday morning. “They held the ceremony inside the shrine. There were only a few people there.”
Tenorio was grateful to the community for its support.
“Firstly, we would like to express our appreciation to Saipan Mayor RB Camacho and his staff for their tremendous support with logistical arrangements. They worked closely with our board members for weeks, accommodating many requests to make this event possible. We also extend our appreciation to the [Marianas Visitors Authority] and the legislators, who contributed water and financial support; the local businesses that generously donated items for raffle prizes; and all the sponsors from the Japanese Society.”
Visitors from Japan’s Katori Shrine give toys to the children during the Autumn Festival at Sugar King Park on Saturday.
Saipan Awaodori Team performers pose for a photo.
Residents shop at the “garage sale” bazaar.
Himawari staff members pose with Chef Ryuta Yoshimoto, right.
A family poses for a photo during the Autumn Festival at Sugar King Park.
Visitors from Japan’s Katori Shrine gives toys to children during the Autumn Festival at Sugar King Park.
Staff from Himawari.
Members of the Kagman High School’s Japanese Culture Club pose for a photo at their game booth.
A visiting member of the Katori Shrine delegation serves sake.
