A JOINT Catholic, Buddhist, and Shinto memorial service organized by Kuentai USA was held Monday at the Aqua Resort Club grounds in Achugao.
The sixth memorial service honored Japanese and American military personnel who died during World War II on Saipan.
The site and surrounding area are historically significant, as more than 4,300 Japanese soldiers and 400 American soldiers were killed there during the final Banzai attack of the Battle of Saipan on July 7, 1944.
Bishop Romeo Convocar of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, Japanese Shinto scholar Yoshinobu Miyake of the Konko Church of Kasugaoka, and Japanese Buddhist Abbot Hakuga Murayama each conducted a special prayer rite for the soldiers who perished.
Kuentai USA is an organization dedicated to locating burial sites, recovering the remains of fallen Japanese soldiers, and repatriating them to their families in Japan.
According to the group, 163 sets of Japanese remains were recovered at the memorial site in 2011 and 2012.
Kuentai USA Chairman Usan Kurata said the organization has requested the CNMI Historic Preservation Office to allow excavations to resume.
“We are committed,” he said, but added that he is uncertain about the current status of the request or whether the Japanese or American governments are opposed to resuming the excavation.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho thanked Kuentai USA for their “hard work and dedication in organizing the recovery and repatriation of both Japanese and American remains.”
“Your efforts have been very important in promoting peace and friendship, and for that we are truly grateful,” he said.
As mayor, Camacho said he will continue to support and cooperate with “our Japanese partners and local leaders to continue this important mission to recover war remains and to promote Japanese travel and investment in the CNMI.”
“The relationship with Japan is one built on a legacy of history and culture,” he added. “We must make it a top priority to bring back Japanese to our shores and to enhance this great partnership.”
This year marks the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II.
The Battle of Saipan, which took place from June 15 to July 9, 1944, resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Approximately 28,000 to 30,000 Japanese soldiers and about 3,400 American soldiers were killed during the battle.
Japanese and community members pay respect during joint memorial service held on Monday for military personnel who died on the island during World War II.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
Group photo of those who attended the joint memorial service organized by Kuentai USA, including Saipan Mayor RB Camacho and Bishop Romero Convocar.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
