(MVA) — In recognition of the historic World War II connection between The Marianas and Japan, a delegation from The Marianas travelled to Japan for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony held on Aug. 6, 2025, at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.
Marking a milestone 80 years since the end of the war, the 2025 ceremony welcomed numerous distinguished guests from Japan and abroad. The Marianas Visitors Authority joined Mayor Ramon “R.B.” Camacho of Saipan and other delegates for the annual ceremony, which serves to convey the horrors of war to future generations and to send a message of peace to the world.
“This historic occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the shared aspirations for peace and the historical ties between Hiroshima and The Marianas,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron. “As we mark the 80th anniversary since the end of the war, it is a time to reflect once again on the deep and complex historical relationship between us and to foster peace and understanding for the future.”
The relationship between Japan and The Marianas began when the western Pacific archipelago became a League of Nations mandate territory of Japan after World War I. During that period, over 45,000 Japanese people immigrated to the islands, and a bustling economy was established.
However, in 1944 the Battle of Saipan — a pivotal event in World War II — broke out. The fierce fighting between Japanese and American forces resulted in the tragic loss of many soldiers and civilians on both sides. As a result, today The Marianas and Japan share not only cultural and economic connections, but also the tragic memories born of war, a memory commemorated by numerous memorials and historical sites throughout the islands.
“Japan and The Marianas share a solemn history,” said Taijeron. “There are many places in our islands where one can truly feel this history, such as Banzai Cliff, where many Japanese lost their lives, tanks along our roadways, or the remains of Japanese military airplanes still lying beneath the sea. At the same time, we share connections of business, family, and friendship. Our participation in this year’s commemoration ceremony was an opportunity to pay our respects and demonstrate a message of hope for continued peace in the world. It was also an opportunity to connect with the government officials in Hiroshima and discuss ways to encourage tourism between our countries.”
The invitation to The Marianas delegation was made possible by the visit of Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly and business representatives to the islands in January 2025. This month in Japan, the delegation met with Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki, Hiroshima Prefecture Assembly Chairman Takashi Nakamoto, and other assembly members. The groups shared views on the importance of passing down the memories of the atomic bomb’s devastation to future generations.
A delegation from The Marianas led by Saipan Mayor Ramon “R.B.” Camacho, center, attends the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony held on Aug. 6, 2025, at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. From left, Benjamin Maratita of the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Chairman of Tinian Municipal Council Joseph E. Santos, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Jamika R. Taijeron, Mayor of Saipan Ramon Camacho, Marianas Visitors Authority Board of Director Sachiko Gerrard, Ana Maria Mendiola, wife of Lt. Governor Dennis Mendiola, and Office of the Governor representative Glen Hunter.
Saipan Mayor Ramon “R.B.” Camacho, left, leads a delegation from The Marianas in paying a courtesy visit to Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki on Aug. 5, 2025, in Hiroshima, Japan.
A delegation from The Marianas led by Saipan Mayor Ramon “R.B.” Camacho, center left, pays a courtesy visit to Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Hidehiko Yuzaki and the Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly on Aug. 5, 2025, in Hiroshima, Japan.
Banzai Cliff in Saipan, The Marianas, one of numerous sites on the island commemorating lives lost on the island during World War II.
