Shiko Gakuen honors the fallen in 33rd Marpi ceremony

Participants of the Shikogakuen Mission carry pictures of deceased relatives as part of the group’s 33rd annual tradition of visiting the sacred grounds of Marpi to pray for departed loved ones. (Photos by Iva Maurin)

Thirty-two members of the Shiko Gakuen Mission group are on Saipan for the 33rd annual tradition of visiting the sacred grounds of Marpi to honor those who have fallen in World War II and to pray for world peace.

“Our memory of our visit to Saipan this year has a special meaning since it has been 75 years after the war [on] Saipan,” said Rev. Masakazu Kawakami, who is with the group. “We have established our monument here, and conducted our memorial services over the years to pray for world peace, and for all Americans, Japanese soldiers and civilians who have suffered and perished during the war.”

The Shikou Gakuen Mission built the memorial monument on Banzai Cliff in 1988 and has continued to offer prayers not only for those who perished in Saipan during World War II, but also for people from all nations who have died because of wars.

“This monument, built 31 years ago, continues to stand in tribute to all who perished in the battle of Saipan during World War II. It is a monument in remembrance of all the victims of that war, Japanese, Americans, and native peoples of the Marianas,” said

Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, who spoke at the 33rd Shiko Gakuen Peace Ceremony in Marpi last Saturday, spoke of the significance of the monuments in healing and rebuilding both Japan and the CNMI.

“Our heritage and cultural upbringings come with a great deal of Japanese influence,” Palacios said. “Together, we have reconciliation. We have achieved reconciliation, and rebuild our once-torn societies. Together, we gather here to pray for peace and harmony in our world today and for generations to come.”

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, whose office has been spearheading exchange programs to fortify relations between Japan and Saipan, also joined and prayed with the Shiko Gakuen Mission group, as part of honoring fallen citizens.

Members of the mission offered hymns and prayers, dedicated a thousand paper cranes—representing peace—and flowers, and walked the short distance from the Marpi memorial to Banzai Cliff for the dedication of flowers and prayers.

Approximately 4,000 members of the Shiko Gakuen mission group have prayed at the monument in Marpi for the past 33 years.

Hiroko Tajima, Pacific Development Inc. assistant general manager, said that they have asked some landowners on the island to allow the group, which came all the way from Osaka, to let them into their properties so they can light incenses and pray in areas for their departed families. PDI usually handles the logistics of the group’s visits to the CNMI.