Shinsho-Kai high priest is named Marianas tourism envoy

The high priest of Shinsho-kai, a Japanese group that has been making memorial pilgrimages to the Marianas since 1982, was named honorary Marianas tourism ambassador last July 22, 2023.

The conferment of the title to High Priest Kosho Nakanishi was made by managing director Christopher A. Concepcion of the Marianas Visitors Authority following the group’s memorial service at Banzai Cliff, a significant World War II site for remembrance of those who lost their lives during the battle on Saipan.

“As a sign of our appreciation for High Priest Kosho Nakanishi and Shinsho-kai for their work in reaffirming the historical ties between Japan and the Marianas, as well as in deep gratitude for the message they convey promoting world peace, we are pleased to appoint Mr. Nakanishi as honorary Marianas tourism ambassador,” said Concepcion. “We look forward to a continued strong relationship with Shinsho-kai members for years to come.”

Nakanishi was presented with a plaque that thanked him for his “dedication, commitment and support of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ relationship with Japan.” He has also received a U.S. Congress Certificate of Commendation and the Order of the Rising Sun Gold Rays with Rosette from the government of Japan. He replaced his grandmother, Terumi Hirata, as head of Shinsho-kai upon her passing in 2013. Hirata had also been named an honorary tourism ambassador for the Marianas in 2008 and was instrumental in the continuation of the group’s semi-annual trips to Saipan. In 1988, the group also built the Heiwa—or peace—Kannon statue and ossuary at Banzai Cliff.

Many members of the Shinsho-kai group are direct descendants of Japanese soldiers and civilians who died during the war. Through the years, nearly 6,000 people have visited Saipan as part of the memorial group. (MVA)