The Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai in coordination with the Philippine Nikkei Legal Support Center and the generous financial assistance from The Nippon foundation held its 10th National Convention on November 4, 2017, at Pan Pacific Manila.
High ranking Japanese officials showed their complete support to the activity of Rengokai as their presence was visible. An inspirational message was delivered by HE Ambassador Koji Haneda followed by the reading of the congratulatory message from Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. The President of the Japan Industry Council Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu who flew all the way from Japan likewise congratulated the officials of the Rengokai for the successful gathering of almost all members from the different chapters to one venue for its annual convention and jointly celebrate the approval of 209 shuseki petitions. Around were Minister/Consul General Atsushi Kuwabara, Counselor/Chief Consul Toshio Kawauchi, and Executive Director Ichiro Kabasawa of The Nippon Foundation.
Part of the activity was a panel discussion facilitated by Atty. Joshua Zuniega with Panelists headed by Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai, PNLSC Chairman with his law associates and the rest of the PNLSC staffs based in Japan and in Manila. We likewise heard the short message delivered by Miss. Ikuko Okubo, Project Coordinator, International Program Team, Social Innovation Program Division of The Nippon Foundation.
In attendance were abled 2nd generations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Most of those who came were beneficiaries of the shuseki petitions that generated favorable judgment. For those who could not make it by way of video presentation they took the effort of expressing their deep appreciation to Atty. Kawai for the legal assistance extended on top of the orientation rendered by their respective chapters that handled the documentation of the needed papers for submission to PNLSC. Two law associates of Atty. Kawai likewise attended the convention and they were Atty. Kenji Mochizuki and Atty. Shinji Hino.
On said occasion, the former JPIC President Hideo Ito found time in participating
the activity of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai. It was a great sight to witness the active participation of the officials of the Manila Nippi Chapter with Mr. Stephen Quirico Buni at the helm by distributing door prizes to lucky Nisei numbering to more or less 100. The event was a great success. Kudos to our Rengokai President Mr. Ines P. Mallari as this convention would not have realized if the leader is not as effective and dynamic as exuded by her during her four year term.
