Acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez said the development of the park reflects shared history of Japan and the Northern Marianas.
The islands were administered by Japan from 1914 to 1944.
“The park is an attraction to our visitors. A place for reflection, recreation and relaxation of local residents,” Villagomez said, as he cited the valuable contributions of “Sugarking” Haruji Matsue to the island’s development during the pre-war period.
He said Matsue helped develop the island into a major industrial district.
Matsue’s grandson, Keichiro Saeki, who was a guest honor during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, said “history is very important” and should be taught to the children.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, in his message, said the project will serve as a living legacy “in recognition of our budding indigenous entrepreneurs working side-by-side” with Matsue.
“Leaders before us worked harmoniously and made such lasting impact on the island economy of Saipan back in the early 1940s, and to this day their influence shines,” Tudela said.
Rep. Stanley T. Torres, R-Saipan, said the park should be designated as a tourist attraction.
“This is a landmark for Japan and the Japanese people,” he added.
On Oct. 2, 2002, the Legislature adopted a resolution requesting the administration to support the revitalization of the Sugar King estate in central Garapan.
A year later, during the first economic summit in Tokyo, Japan, in 2003, the now defunct Marianas Public Lands Authority approved the designation of the estate, vesting the Saipan mayor’s office with the responsibility of developing, operating, and maintaining the estate grounds for the cultural center.
Northern Marianas Housing Corp. Director Joshua Sasamoto said the project also serves as “an unwavering bastion of perseverance, stability, and hope in these times of uncertainty and anxiety as the CNMI enters another significant phase in its progress as a U.S. commonwealth.”
“Let it serve as a reminder that we have a rich and storied history that we are constantly writing and that we can overcome any adversity when we unite and are inclusive and celebrate all that uniquely belongs to us in order to distinctly recognize that, although times are difficult on an unprecedented level, there is always much to be thankful and happy for,” Sasamoto said.
The new facility will accommodate up to eight concessionaires and serve up to a hundred guests at a time.
It will be equipped with exterior furniture, consisting of tables and benches for refreshment and relaxation.
The $600,000 legacy project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
NMHC administers the grant in the CNMI.
The new food courtyard is part of the third and fourth phases of the Sugar King Park beautification project.
