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Japanese group pays tribute to WWII dead
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Posted on Aug 12 2008
When Yuka Kitamura came to Saipan for the first time seven years ago, she fell in love with the island.
Kitamura, a famous Japanese actress and model, visited the island with her mother who was battling cancer at the time. After her mother passed away, Kitamura decided to dedicate her time to helping others, including children and those that are handicapped.
On Tuesday, Kitamura, along with 17 Japanese businessmen and women, toured the Japanese, Korean and American World War II monuments on island. A Buddhist monk followed the group as they visited the sites. Saipan Mayor Juan Borja Tudela also took part in the ceremony in front of the Japanese monument.
“Japan is peace,” Kitamura said. “I wish the same feeling [here].”
Fred Santos, a representative for Mariana Blue Corp., which helped arrange the trip, said the businessmen and women came to pay tribute to the victims of the war.
“They believe that with prayers, spirits can return home,” he said.
The group was in town for four days, spending time scuba diving, shopping and relaxing, Santos said. The group visited Saipan’s major tourist sites, including Banzai Cliff and the American Park Museum. Today is their last day on island.
