The Peace Ring Memorial Service on April 5, 2025, at the South Pacific Memorial Peace Park in Yigo, was a poignant event. Attendees gathered amidst the serene surroundings to honor the memory of those who started Guam’s first community of Japanese-CHamoru families in the early 1900’s. Their legacy continues with generations of families today. The event was a beautiful reminder of the strength found in community and the enduring importance of peace.
Guam Nikkei Association Hosts Panel on A Borrowed Land
The Guam Nikkei Association successfully hosted a panel discussion on A Borrowed Land, a groundbreaking publication by Peter R. Onedera that documents the experiences of Japanese Issei and Nissei in Guam during World War II. Held on March 29, 2025, at the Central Community Arts Center in Sinajana, the event was a collaboration with NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation as part of their coverage of the 80th anniversary of WWII’s end.
Moderated by Guam Nikkei Association President David Okada and facilitated by the author, the panel featured prominent community members. Guam Nikkei Association Board Chairman Frank S.N. Shimizu delivered the welcome remarks, and Deputy Consul General Yoshiko Kobayashi attended as an observer.
NHK conducted interviews with Onedera and members of the Japanese/CHamoru community to document their stories, culminating in a five-minute segment to be aired on NHK’s English and Japanese language channels in commemoration of this historic milestone.
Check presentation to Japan Club of Guam for the festival - $1,000 GNA sponsorship support.
