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Japanese Buddhist group cleans up Banzai, Peace Memorial
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Posted on May 25 2015
A Japanese Buddhist group cleaned up Banzai Cliff and the Japanese Peace Memorial last Saturday to honor the memory of their countrymen and others who perished during World War II.
Gathering 150 members, the Nenpou Shinkyou Buddhist Denomination cleaned the area of as part of their tradition.
According to organizers Willie and Aya Matsumoto, who are in charge of coordinating with the Nenpou Shinkyou Denomination for years, cleaning up is a form of respect.
Members of the Nenpou Shinkyou Buddhist Denomination clean up Banzai Cliff and the Japanese Peace Memorial last Saturday to honor the memory of their countrymen and others who perished during World War II. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)
“Every year the denomination comes to the island. They believe that Saipan is a holy ground for all those who lost their souls during the World War II,” James Sakamato of Marianas Visitors Authority said, translating for the couple.
“They believe that it is a form of respect to do a cleanup on the island, then after the cleanup they’re going to do a memorial the following day,” he added.
The number of the delegation was also notable because it is not every year that they bring in a lot of members.
According to the Matsumotos, 2015 is a milestone year for them. Aside from celebrating 70 years of the end of war, it has also been a decade since their majesties Emperor Akihiro and Empress Michiko visited the island.
They are also celebrating the 90th foundation anniversary of Nenpou Shinkyou Buddhist Denomination.
“We’ve developed a very strong relationship with the Nenpou group and it’s a real pleasure to work with them in adding this particular monument, especially as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the visit of the emperor and empress,” MVA managing director Perry Tenorio said.
“We’ve been working for a very long time with the Nenpou group to use the CNMI as an opportunity to pray for world peace,” he added.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang was also present at the cleanup to lend his support.
Nenpou Shinkyou is a Buddhist group that has more than 100,000 followers in Japan.
