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Japan theater, dance groups visit Saipan
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Posted on Jun 15 2011
Fifteen members of the Japanese amateur theater group Aoi Keiki Gekida visited Saipan from June 9 to 12.
Aoi Keiki Gekida, which was established 13 years ago in Shizuoka City, has about 30 members whose age are 60 years or older.
Hiroko Tajima, assistant manager for Pacific Development Inc., said that many Japanese soldiers from Shizuoka City fought and died on Saipan during the war.
Tajima said that a Japanese temple, Nanmeido, was built near the Sugar King Park to pray for the fallen soldiers.
Rev. Shinryu Akita, priest of the Nanmeido Temple, is from Shizuoka City.
“With this, the group decided to come to Saipan to pay respect to those who perished during the war,” said Tajima.
Tajima also said that the group performed a classical comical Japanese drama “Mori no Ishimatsu” at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center on June 10.
“Although the drama was in Japanese, locals enjoyed their performance, including Mayor of Saipan, Mr. Donald Flores,” she said.
Tajima added that the group visited during their stay the northern part of the island for sightseeing, and visited the KKMP radio station and the Aging Center.
Dream Hula Team
A 36-member dance group from Fussa City also visited the island recently.
The Dream Hula Team was on Saipan from June 9 to 11 to participate in the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival.
The group was led by Misao Kasono, who has been teaching the hula dance to different groups for 19 years.
Tajima disclosed that the group considered canceling their trip because of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
“We’re very glad to participate in the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival,” said Kasono.
Arts Council executive director Angel S. Hocog presented certificates of appreciation to the Dream Hula Team members and a plaque for the Fussa City Mayor Ikuo Kato.
