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Shinshokai group honors ancestors
The Shinshokai group lit over 1,000 candles in honor of loved ones that that they lost during World War II.
Many members of the Shinshokai group are direct descendants of Japanese soldiers who died during the war and they have been visiting Saipan twice a year for over 40 years.
According to Shinshokai ceremony organizer Yuko Togawa, the ceremony is held twice annually to honor not only Japanese ancestors but also to honor every individual who lost their lives during the war.
The Shinshokai ceremony consisted of two parts. The first part was held at the Banzai Cliff at the Shinshokai memorial. The Shinshokai group brought the Buddha-style memorial to the island over 30 years ago.
The second part was held at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s beach area where candles were lit and arranged in a circle, each candle symbolizing a death.
During the ceremony, the descendants prayed for their ancestors that they find peace and that they watch over them.
About 60 individuals participated in the ceremony last Saturday.
Togawa said that they were also graced with the presence of their priest, Kosho.
The next Shinshokai ceremony will be held on July.
