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Hokkaido group remembers fallen heroes
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Posted on Jun 28 2011
A 33-member group from Hokkaido Japan is on island for a three-day memorial service and visit to historic sites on Saipan and Tinian.
Tsuneya Shionoya, leader of the Hokkaido Gokokujinja Memorial Group, led yesterday’s ceremonial rite at the 89 Shrine along Airport Road where delegates offered prayers to their heroes who fought in the Pacific during the World War II.
Shionoya told Saipan Tribune that this year marks the organization’s seventh visit to the Northern Marianas to offer prayers and remember the heroic acts of hundreds of Japanese soldiers who died during the war.
Hokkaido Gokokujinja Group last visited the CNMI in 2008.
For Shionoya, memories of their fallen soldiers and their heroic acts are best remembered by regularly visiting their resting places and dedicating special prayers and ceremonies for them. He said the Hokkaido group is mostly composed of families and relatives of fallen soldiers.
He, together with Tomoki Kamada, who also led yesterday’s memorial rites, assured the group’s return after three years.
The delegation was joined by Japanese Consul Tsutomu Higuchi in yesterday’s rites.
The memorial service was also highlighted by a performance from the Hokkaido-Gojinjyo-Daiko-Hozonkai group.
Saipan Tribune learned that the group arrived Monday night and are staying at Hafadai Beach Hotel. Their travel was arranged by the Nippon Travel Agency Micronesia Inc.
According to Ramon Valeros, coordinator for the travel agency, the group will stay until June 30 and will return to Japan on July 1.
The group will hold a similar memorial rite at the Kuroki Daidai Shrine in Kannat Tabla and in Marpi. They are also scheduled to visit other historical places such as the Sugar King Park, Suicide Cliff, and Last Command Post in Marpi.
On June 29, the group will travel to Tinian to hold the same memorial service at historical shrines on the island. Other group members are also set to visit Guam.
