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Japan in the Marianas: The prosperous years
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Posted on May 01 2000
The NMI Museum of History and Culture is planning a major exhibit on the pre-World War II Japanese administration of the Northern Mariana Islands. “Japan in the Marianas: the Prosperous Years”, will interpret the period between 1914 and 1941 through photographs, film clips, artifacts, maps, post cards, stamps, models, reproductions, oral history, and authoritative historical accounts of Japanese activities throughout Micronesia, with a special focus on the Northern Mariana Islands. Major themes to be addressed include: economics, education, health, religion, and family life.
A community-wide effort is being made to solicit memorabilia that survived the conflict between Japan and the United States. While loan items will be considered, donations are preferred. The Museum has received interpretive material from both local and Japanese sources.
Juan B. Blanco of Chalan Kanoa has donated many photographs that document the more prosperous years of Japanese colonial occupation. The Sugar King Foundation, named after Matsue Haruji whose statue is a familiar landmark in Sugar King Park, has provided several unique artifacts, including a Nanyo Kohatsu Kaisha “Happi Coat” given to company employees in recognition for their years of service.
Much of a carefully researched and prepared 1993 panel display entitled “Images of Japan in Micronesia, 1880-1945” was given to the NMI Museum by William Pesch of Guam and will be incorporated into this major exhibit.
Beginning June 12, items will be put out on temporary display in preparation for the final exhibit which will open in early September 2000 and run through the month of May 2001.
The public is encouraged to come and preview this material and suggest ways to improve the presentation.
For more information, please contact Paul Oberg, executive director of the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Culture, at 664-2160.
