Offficial delegates from the PHILIPPINES:
1. Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, PNJK Rengokai Inc., President
2. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK Davao Chapter President
3. Mrs. Carmen Apigo, Davao Officer
4. Mrs. Elizabeth Tagud, Davao Officer
5. Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu, JPIC President
6. Mrs. Evelyn Obuchi, JPIC Coordinator
7. Mr. Yusuke Uchida and 5 members of his family
8. Mr. Norihiro Inomata (PNLSC)
October 27, 2015 – Venue: Kensei Kinenkan, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Registration, Opening and General Assembly of the 182 participants coming from the different countries from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America and South America. The theme for this year’s Convention was 70th After the War: Post-War History of Japan and Nikkei Communities in Retrospect. The President of the Kaigai Nikkeijin Taikai, Mr. Tanaka gave the opening remarks. Messages were also shared by the representatives from Brazil, Peru and Indonesia. In the evening of the first day, and as always, the Welcome Reception was hosted by the Imperial Family. This year, Her Highness, Princess Takamado was in attendance together with some members of the House of Diet/Parliament.
October 28, 2015 – Venue: JICA Building, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Morning: Plenary session on the theme: 70th After the War: Post-War History of Japan and Nikkei Communities in Retrospect. The undersigned presented the past, present and future activities and experiences of the Filipino-Japanese descendants through a Powerpoint Presentation. The delegates from around the world expressed to the undersigned that they were able to understand the Filipino Nikkeijins better after listening to the presentation.
Afternoon: Break-out sessions on different topics. Our group joined the session on the “Activities of the Japanese descendants Around the Globe.”
Evening: Our group had a dinner together with JPIC President, Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu and Ms. Evelyn Obuchi, JPIC Coordinator.
October 29, 2015 – Venue: Kensei Kinenkan, Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Morning: Participated the presentations of the children of the Nikkeijins in Japan. Lunch Reception: I was chosen to represent the 182 delegates from 17 countries around the world to deliver a speech in Nihongo in front of the members of Congress, headed by the Speaker of the Upper House, Senator Ooshima and Congressman Koshiishi, Asst. head of the Lower House, respectively. I was
all the more overwhelmed when the Minister of Justice, Minister Mitsuhide Iwaki himself, approached me after my speech, introduced himself, showed great interest and without being asked, offered assistance to the Filipino- Japanese descendants. Moreover, many Japanese politicians or Diet members also expressed their support to the Filipino Nikkeijins.
Japan’s Minister of Justice, Mr. Iwaki asking further information about Filipino Nikkeijins