CNMI-Japan Cultural Center officially opens

The CNMI government, through the collaborative efforts of its various agencies, officially opened to the public yesterday the Northern Marianas-Japan Cultural Center at the Sugar King Estate in Garapan.

Funded by a community development block grant amounting to $600,000, the new center forms part of the third and fourth phases of the Sugar King Park beautification project.

Speaking before members of the community and guests, acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez said he is pleased to join other luminaries in unveiling the new historical and tourist site. He cited the valuable contributions of King Haruji Matsue to the CNMI and honored the latter’s grandson, Keichiro Saeki, who served as the event’s guest of honor.

“Here, in this park, we can reflect on the history of our islands during the Japanese administration from about 1914 to 1944. We can see the statue of the Sugar King, Haruji Matsue, who developed our island’s first major industry. We can also see displays of Japanese culture, which has had strong cultural and historical influences on our islands and peoples. …This park supports our local tourism industry. It is truly an attraction to our visitors and a place for reflection, relaxation, and recreation for our local residents,” Villagomez said.

He said the Sugar King Park supports and blends aspects of tourism, history, culture, and recreation.

Villagomez lauded the commitment of the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. to improve the park.

Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela believes the redevelopment of the park would serve as one of his legacies. Tudela is in his last term as mayor.

“I am honored and privileged to present this project to the community as a living legacy to the people of Saipan and the Commonwealth in recognition of our budding indigenous entrepreneurs working side-by-side with a Japanese entrepreneur named Haruji Matsue,” the mayor said.

Tudela recalled that Garapan was a thriving town for business and commerce during the Japanese era.

It was on Oct. 2, 2002, when the Legislature adopted a resolution requesting the administration to support the revitalization of the famed Sugar King estate in central Garapan. A year later, during the first economic summit in Tokyo, Japan, in 2003, the MPLA board 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.

“The vision seven years ago is now a reality…and a cause for celebration for our generation and generations to come,” Tudela said.

While the park celebrates the CNMI’s relationship with Japan, NMHC director Joshua Sasamoto said it also serves as an unwavering bastion of perseverance, stability, and hope in these times of uncertainty and anxiety as the Commonwealth 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.