Teamwork restores historic temple gate

The combined effort of several organizations has restored a historic Japanese temple gate in Saipan that was severely damaged earlier this year.

The pre-war gate post in Garapan near Fiesta Resort & Spa marked the entrance to Nan’yo’-ji (South Sea Buddhist Temple) and was the sole remnant of the temple and the adjoining Saipan Domestic Science Girls School and subsequent Girls High School during the Japanese administration of the islands. The gate was broken into pieces when struck by a vehicle in Jan. 6, 2015.

Initially thought destroyed, the crumbled gate was later determined to be repairable. President Willie Matsumoto of Saipan-based company Pacific Eagle led the initial charge to raise the repair price, including financial support from Kokyu Kumehara of the Jyodo Assembly and the wayward driver. The CNMI Historic Preservation Office oversaw the restoration. Following the completion of the restoration, a rededication ceremony was performed on June 13.

“The Gate Post was considered eligible for inclusion in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places based upon its historical importance,” said MVA managing director Perry Tenorio. “We thank all the partners that have lent a hand in restoring this important landmark.” (MVA)