Despite the bad weather, the group—which is made up of 38 Japanese students participating in a cultural exchange program and Buddhist priest Kanasho Kayaki—performed a memorial service last Thursday at the beach at the back of the Hopwood Junior High School.
The Sanpoen Youth Organization members held a two-hour ritual for the fallen soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II and others who perished here during that period.
They even floated lanterns at the ocean as part of the ritual.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, whose office regularly hosts Japanese and Korean students participating in any cultural exchange program, said even if his term ends this year, he will continue to support the annual pilgrimage to the island of different groups from Japan and South Korea.
He said he wants to see a big crowd every memorial service.
As a private citizen, Tudela said he can still work with the religious sector, the community and schools to support the event, adding, this will further strengthen the relationship with Japan and CNMI.
Hidetsugu Abe, spokesperson of the Sanpoen group, said their priest was very happy to learn that Tudela plans to continue supporting the event.
“This is a big opportunity … our friendship and relationship with the people here will become stronger,” Abe said.
Abe said last Thursday was the Sanpoen’s 31st pilgrimage to Saipan and their group will continue to pursue the program to always “renew our mind and spirit, and to give education to the Japanese children.”
Shinnosuke Kawamota, one of the students, said it was his responsibility to pray for the fallen soldiers, not only for Japanese but for Americans as well.
He said the soldiers have saved the new generation and they brought peace to Japan.
The Sanpoen group arrived on July 29 and is leaving today for Japan.
