Members of the shrine have been conducting services on the island for more than 20 years. The June 8 event at Sabana Peace Memorial was coordinated by Rota’s Japanese Club, led by long-time Rota resident Akio Furukawa.
“The annual Kotohira-Gu ceremony is a long-standing and familiar event in our community,” said Sandra Atalig, acting roads and grounds maintenance manager of the Marianas Visitors Authority office in Rota. “We’re very pleased to again welcome the group this year.”
Members of the Rota community also attended the event, including Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola, members of the Rota Municipal Council, staff of the Marianas Visitors Authority, and tour operators.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Kotohira-Gu members donated a $500 gift certificate for fuel to the MVA to be used towards the grounds maintenance of the peach memorial and the Palii and Aponon Japanese tombs.