Previous Story
Sanpo-En group offers prayers at Banzai Cliff
|
Posted on Jul 30 2008
About 50 members and volunteers for the Japanese Sanpo-En group gathered yesterday for a memorial service led by priest Kansho Kayaki at Banzai Cliff.
After 15 to 20 minutes of prayer, a group of children concluded the ceremony by lighting incense.
Earlier that day, the group visited the Governor’s Office, as well as war landmarks in Banzai Cliff, Suicide Cliff, Last Command Post and the airport bunker.
The group arrived Tuesday and will depart Monday.
“This is their 30th year anniversary to visit Saipan, and I am a volunteer for the Saipan Mayor’s Office whenever children of the CNMI will visit the Sanpo-En group in Japan,” said Sachiko Adachi.
Adachi has been to Japan and has visited the Sanpo-En group.
Today the group will make paper lanterns at the Marianas High School gymnasium and float the lanterns in another ceremony later in the day.
On Friday night and Saturday the group will stay with local families to better experience the local culture.
The group currently resides at Hopwood Jr. High School.
“For Saipan, this year is our 25th anniversary to visit Japan Sanpo-En group,” added Adachi.
