The lighthouse is one of the few surviving pre-World War II, civilian structures originally built by the Japanese.

[3] The concrete used in the construction of the lighthouse was produced from burnt coral and seashells, but weathers easily.

[4] The lighthouse was constructed in 1934 to assist ships navigating into Tanapag Harbor on the western coast of Saipan.

The lighthouse was in operation until 1944 when it sustained damage from an American naval bombardment in the Battle of Saipan.

[1] In 1990, the lighthouse was renovated and expanded to be used as a restaurant; the dome was returned to the top of the tower not long after.