Japanese group begins search for Bodhisattva Jizoo statues

Members of The Pacific Society of Japan and various volunteers began their search for the remaining statues of the Bodhisattva Jizoo, trekking along an old trail from Gualo Rai to Mount Tapochao the past two days.

The group, comprising 18 members and 18 local volunteers from the Historic Preservation Office, Northern Marianas College and Marianas High School, trekked over an old Japanese trail with an estimated length of three kilometers on Friday and again on Saturday.

The stones statues were about 20 inches in height and were placed along the old road up on Mt. Tapochao from Gualo Rai. These 88 statues were built in Uwajima on the island of Shikoku, Japan, and brought to Saipan to be placed at each corner of the road to Mt. Tapochao. The project began in 1934 and was completed on March 21, 1935. Placed at the top of the mountain was a statue of the famous historical Buddhist priest, Kooboo Daishi.

At that time there were about 100-130 Japanese citizens from Uwajima living in Garapan. They collected donations and carried the statues up the old road to be placed at each corner.

These statues were placed to protect travelers and young children. The 88 statues also represented the Japanese 88 temple pilgrimage on Shikoku Island. This hike was usually held on the days of the equinox and was very popular with schoolchildren as well as the local community.

The Society’s senior executive director, Hiroshi Nakajima, who spearheaded the expedition, said the search aims to locate and record as many statues as they could find.

“These statues, which are all numbered, are very important pieces of history,” he said. “We’re just trying to record as many as we can and hopefully one day be able to allocate one for display in the NMI Museum. Once in the museum, the people will see and learn about the history behind the statues, and I’m pretty sure the Japanese tourists would be very happy to see the statues.”

Nakajima, a Japanese historian who will be part of the upcoming commemoration of the 60th anniversary of World War II Battles of Saipan seminars, said the trek revealed some 20 bases of statues; however, none of the statues remained.

Prior to the trek, six statues had already been identified. During their visit, Nakajima said two more were added to the list after a local resident notified them about it.

“We’re not here to take the statues,” he said. “Like I said earlier, we just want to see them and record them. Fortunately, after an article was published by your paper about the search, we had a couple of residents who came forward and notified us of their possessions.”

Among the residents was Ignacio Togawa, whose father was from Shigoku.

“Ignacio has two statues and is really taking good care of them,” said Nakajima. “Because of his care, the statues are in very good condition.”

To date, the group found statues bearing the numbers 47, 56, 58, 62, 71, 82, 85, and 86. Three of the statues can still be seen at the memorial near Mt. Carmel Cathedral; one is located among the monuments at Marpi; and residents Ben Borja and Gregorio Cabrera each have in their possession a Jizoo statue.

Sachiko Adachi, a Japanese language teacher on Saipan and member of the Society, expressed the group’s appreciation to the HPO, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, as well as the local volunteers for their assistance in the expedition.

“The MVA and Mayor’s Office donated funds for lunch and the NMC Japanese class students prepared lunch for us on Friday with funds from their own pockets,” she said. “Also, the [HPO] prepared the trail for us, and we appreciate their support as well.”

John Castro of the HPO said the finding and clearing of the path took five days to complete and the crew also included the staff of Rep. Heinz Hofschneider.

The Pacific Society of Japan is asking public assistance in locating the statues. Individuals who have knowledge of the statues may Sachiko Adachi at 235-2459 or e-mail at sachiko@itecnmi.com, or contact the Historic Preservation Office.