Northern Marianas: Banzai & Suicide Cliffs

Banzai Cliff (above the ocean) and Suicide Cliff (off the mountain further inland) are the sites of massive suicide committed by the Japanese soldiers and civilians rather then being captured or conquered during the American advance and fighting in the June/July 1944. While the Japanese military code of honor requires suicide rather then capture, rumors were spread of the American atrocities which pushed many civilians to do the same, while the local Chamorro and Northern Marianese survived. Some jumpers were actually saved by the US navy off the coast. Both points have Japanese mini-shrines and monuments as expansive panoramic views. The high point Suicide Cliff actually is also a great place to watch birds of paradise.
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