Mt Tapochou

Mt. Tapochou is the highest point in Saipan. It has a marvelous view of the entire island and the vistas of the Ocean all around. It was a strategic point in the war as the Japanese made it a fortress because these vistas provided views of any military movements in the sea and at the airport below. Emperor Hirohito of Japan declared that Saipan must not fall or Japan would be invaded by the Americans. After ten days of ferocious fighting Mt. Tapochou was taken by the Americans and the Japanese were driven to the north and the Battle of Saipan was over. Over 5,000 Americans lost their lives. One P Day we visited Mt. Tapochou with the Sisters Tuileto'a and Pakula and we met a busload of Japanese tourists who gave us little doll momentos which said Peace, Love and Brotherhood. Amazing what 60 years will do.