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NMI, Okinawa bond remains strong with MRA’s 46th visit
Okinawans support ‘Save Pagan and Tinian’ campaign
The Micronesian Repatriation Association of Okinawa is helping build stronger ties between Japan and their “second home,” with 80 of their members taking part in their annual pilgrimage to Saipan and Tinian.
This year marks the group’s 46th visit to Saipan and its 38th visit to Tinian.
MRA is an association of Okinawans born in Micronesia during the Japanese era. The association returns annually to the CNMI to pay respect to the dead and pray for world peace.
Members of the Micronesian Repatriation Association of Okinawa, together with Okinawa prefectural government representatives, have their picture taken at the Last Command Post in Marpi. (Contributed Photo)
Like his predecessor, Choken Ginoza—a longstanding and influential supporter of tourism in the Northern Mariana Islands who passed away on June 10, 2009—Taira said these annual visits to Saipan and Tinian are important to him.
He also thanked the Marianas Visitors Authority for its endless support in welcoming their group.
“This year we see many new faces as the families continue to pass on. For some, due to their health, are unable to fly,” Taira said.
Among honorary guests from Okinawa were Lt. Gov. Isho Urasaiof the Okinawa prefectural government, secretary Seiyu Yogi, and Peace Support and Gender Equality Division vice councilor Yasushi Ohama.
Urasai said it is important to continue to foster the goodwill relationship between the CNMI and Okinawa.
“It is very important that the future generation of both countries remember their past for we share the history and culture. It is also the burial site of many of our Okinawan ancestors,” Urasai said.
Support for Pagan, Tinian
During their stay, some MRA members became aware of the U.S. military’s plan to use Tinian and Pagan for live-fire training and how the local population has been resisting the plan.
“Many of the members came across the sticker to ‘Save Pagan and Tinian’ and have requested for some stickers…because many of them were born on Tinian and do not support such plans. Many shared that this our second home and we will not support such a move,” Taira added.
The group arrived Monday morning and will be departing this Friday. Some are on Tinian and the rest are on Saipan.
