Pre-War Japanese Shrine

A 1930's Japanese shrine in Saipan. This shrine was used by Japanese and Okinawan sugarcane farmers as a way increase a sense of militarism. Its name was Hachiman Jinja which means "God of War" and, ironically or appropriately, it was destroyed by American shelling during the Battle of Saipan in WWII.

This is the best surviving pre-war Japanese lantern.

There were two of these lion statues at the top of the lower stairs. Both were knocked off their pedestals during the battle. Since then one has been replaced, perhaps the other was destroyed.

This lantern survived the battle but not the test of time.

This was the main entrance to the shrine.

The main 'Torii' gate survived the battle but since has fallen and still lays at the top of the lower stairs.

The upper gate was destroyed and was replaced in the 1970's. This one will not survived much longer as it is infested with termites.

Inner sanctuary.






Over all, the Hachiman Jinja Shrine is the best preserved example of pre-war Japanese shrines in Saipan.


Artifacts found at the shrine.

This is an American Singer Sewing machine. There are two of them as well as the table with foot pedals.



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