Katori group returns after over 2 years

Katori Jingu representatives have returned to Saipan, two years since their last visit due to COVID-19 restriction. From left to right are Hiroki Tajima, PDI; Youki Kishimoto, Saipan Mayor’s Office Student Exchange coordinator; Henry S. Hofschneider, special assistant to Mayor David M. Apatang; Noboru Hirayama, chairman, Kyowa Constructions; Noriko Ida, Kyowa Constructions; Shingo Katori, Katori priest; and Yoichi Matsumura, Kyowa Constructions. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Katori Jingu representatives have returned to Saipan for a visit, two years since their last visit to the islands due to COVID-19 restriction.

Representatives of the Katori Jingu shrine in Japan visited the Saipan Mayor’s Office last Oct. 3 in their first visit to Saipan since travel restrictions were put in place due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

During the visit, Katori Jingu priest Shingo Katori shared that Katori Jingu Japan plans to host the annual Katori Shrine ceremony virtually this year, followed by an in-person celebration of the annual Japanese Autumn Festival.

“Because it would be too soon for us organize travel plans for the Oct. 22, 2022, Katori Shrine ceremony at the Sugar King Park as we are still hoping that travel restrictions to and from Japan will be lifted soon by the Japan government, we decided to proceed with plans to have the ceremony virtually this year,” said Katori.

He said It is expected that travel restrictions to and from Japan will be lifted before mid-October. The lifting of these restriction would mean visitors will be able to enter Japan with no restrictions.

“The Japanese Autumn Festival, featuring traditional Japanese arts, dance, music, food, and games, will be held following the Katori Shrine ceremony later this month. Our partner, the Japan Society of Saipan, will be helping in planning and organizing the festival. We do not know the venue of the festival at this time, but we will advise the public soon of the date, place, and time of the festival,” Katori said.

According to Mayor David M. Atapang, on behalf of his office, they are very happy to see friends from Katori Jingu and Katori City back on Saipan.

“It has been a long time since we have seen each other in person, and we want to welcome you back to your island home. For as long as the Katori Shrine is located at the Sugar King Park, our office has supported the annual ceremony and festival, and we will continue doing that for many years to come,” said Apatang.

Meanwhile, Noboru Hirayama, chairman of Kyowa Construction Japan, was also presented with a plaque of appreciation from Apatang during the visit. The Saipan mayor said that, for more than 40 years, Hirayama has dedicated and contributed his personal time to organizing and bringing thousands of Japanese to Saipan to take part in the annual October Katori Shrine ceremony and Japanese Autumn Festival.

“In return for his true commitment of returning year after year to Saipan, we present a special plaque of appreciation to Mr. Hirayama, who shared with us that traveling from Japan to Saipan and back has become a bit too difficult since turning 90 years old and this trip might be his last. We will miss a good friend, but we can always travel to Japan to visit him and the mayor of Katori City, our sister city,” said Apatang.

He said his office is currently communicating with the mayor of Katori City to establish an exchange program.

“We will share more information with the public as plans continue to be developed and agreed upon,” he said.