Memento Mori Project Champions Peace Through Nature

Marking 80 years since the World War II battles in the Marianas and to champion a unified message of world peace, a group of 18 visitors from Japan arrived on Saipan last week. Their mission: to cover the rusted remains of a World War II tank with dozens of fresh flowers and fill the air at the Last Command Post in Marpi with prayers.

Community members, local floral artists, and even government staff joined the gathering last Thursday, bringing hauls of fresh flowers to take part in the symbolic act. During the solemn ceremony, prayers were offered by Mikkyo priest Koji Kanamori, followed by his wife, floral artist and Greenpiece owner Ayumi Kanamori, who led the adornment of the tank ruins.

Ayumi Kanamori initiated and led the Memento Mori Project, an effort focused on promoting peace through nature—particularly in the Marianas—by transforming the remnants of war into works of art.

During her remarks, Kanamori recalled coming to Saipan as a four-year-old with her grandfather, visiting Banzai Cliff and the Last Command Post. But what stayed with her most vividly was “the sight of a brilliant blue sky, and a blue sea, with a single rusting tank left behind.” She continued, “So from that memory grew a wish to transform what once took life into a beautiful work of flower art.”

Because she did not initially know anyone in Saipan, Kanamori reached out to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and turned to social media to make connections. Through crowdfunding, she raised more than 4 million yen, which made the trip possible. “As of today we have 250 people who have donated to this event and their thoughts, and their wishes and prayers is here together with us...” she said.

Kanamori added that the group visited several historical sites on Saipan, where many were moved to tears upon learning about the island’s history and its connection to Japan. “Some of them never knew about,” she noted through her translator. She hopes to continue the Memento Mori project, not only to help Japanese visitors better visualize Saipan but also to share the island’s stories and deepen awareness of the history and relationship between Saipan and Japan. She emphasizes that these memories and connections risk being lost over time.

Throughout the day, the team was visited by Gov. David Apatang and Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas Camacho, and after several hours, their team, community members, and local artists completed their partnered effort, bringing life and color to the relic.