The Iresai is annually observed by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., together with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai-International School and the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, in remembrance of the endurance and industry of our forefathers who first came to reside in Davao. The event is considered to be one of the cornerstones of the organization, having been practiced by its members for more than three decades already.
This year, the Iresai was conducted on August 15, 2017. The Opening prayer was led by Ms. Ruelyn Bobiles, a PNJK-IS Board Member who has been with the school for more than two decades. The PNJK staff sang Amazing Grace and Furusato accompanied by. Mr. Shuji Honda playing his guitar and Mr. Takakazu Machida with his violin.
Among the notable guests were Hon. Tomoko Dodo of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City, and the Hon. Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento, and his Barangay Councilors. A great number of Japanese residents and businessmen were in attendance as well.
Participants offered flowers as well as individual prayers to our deceased Japanese who passed away in the early days. These were Japanese migrants who came to the Philippines in the year 1904 till 1940, the same people who were the first agriculturists who introduced abaca industry as well as other prime commodities to the city. It was unfortunate that the war took everything away from those who should have enjoyed what their predecessors had introduced.
Each year we pay homage and respect to those buried in the sacred ground at Mintal Public Cemetery. We hold this activity because the early settles were responsible in bridging the gap between Japan and the Philippines which the young generation are desirous of further cementing the friendly relation.
Four years ago, the Federation President Mallari together with PNJK President Escovilla and JPIC Coordinator Eve went to Japan for a courtesy visit to the different JPIC companies and to meet the nikkei jins sponsored by the companies.
One of the objectives of the meeting was to encourage the Nikkei jins to create a group in their locality to address their concerns and to make the Philippine Nikkei Jin Society in Japan solid and strong.
On May 31, 2017, one Nikkei jin group was successfully organized in Kagoshima, Japan. The group is named CHIRAN-CHO ENU CHICKEN NIKKEI JIN CLUB. The club has 31 members. The objective focuses on the following: to serve as the support system to its members especially during hard times, to help members to learn the Japanese language, understand and appreciate Japanese culture at the same time promote Filipino culture to the Japanese people and most specially to promote camaraderie among its members and company staff, administration and people of the community.
The officers took their Oath during the company’s festival on August 2017. Their activities are Nihongo Lesson every 2nd Sunday of the month and community service among others.
The club organized a Sport fest on November 26, 2017, and was participated by the Nikkei jins, Japanese and Vietnamese trainees. The activity was very successful. This year they are planning for a group tour in Kagoshima.
Kudos to Chiran–Cho Enu Chicken Nikkei Jin Club!!!!
Experience of a lifetime
Every job offers knowledge but the experiences of
being a Project Administrator is quite special. Dealing
with elderly people is challenging but rewarding, on
November 4, 2017, the PNLSC celebrated the 209
Approved Shuseki. Every P.A. and former PA are
grateful with their job because they help other people
to be recognized as Japanese Citizen. Even though
some cases are difficult, PA will do their best to get
a positive judgment, as looking for evidences is not
easy because all the documents during the war were
destroyed and witnesses are no longer around. Some
of the PA is tearful because of the experience of the
2nd gen that you can’t imagine that they overcome
all the hardships without their fathers. Even though
some descendants are already recognized they
are still longing for their father and to be with them.
Seeing them happy will make you feel blissful for the
very reason that you know you were able to help them
become Japanese Citizens.
We as PA will continue in the research and
fieldworks for our unrecognized descendants and
fulfill their dreams.
Ganbarimashou!!!
Part 1 of this article quoted the saying of a wise man that goes this way—“Do not be afraid of changes but be sensitive to something changing.” But what if changes or things that changes, changed in a blink of an eye? how then to cope up with changes with composure and finesse? Indeed, the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2017 was a very busy time for Japan Philippine Industry Council with so many activities, programs, meetings to attend to, endless movement of Nikkei jins in Japan whether or not the outcome is good. On July 2, 2017, was the JPIC Convention held in Naha, Okinawa Japan. There were 15 members who attended the convention. Election of officers was held. The new officers for 2017–2019 are
as follows:
August 2, 2017, paid a courtesy visit to Consul and Counselor Toshio Kawauchi of the Japanese Embassy in Manila. The meeting was very cordial and fruitful as some important matters about Nikkei jins as well as Japanese living in the Philippines were discussed. On the same date, had a fellowship dinner with Federation President Mallari, PNJK President Escovilla, and PNJK staff at Café Tavera in Davao City.
On August 3–4, 2017, conducted a meeting with the 2017–2018 JPIC Scholars and parents at PNJKIS main campus and Calinan campus respectively. The scholars gave their “Thank You Cards” and prepared a program for Tokumitsu Shacho.
On August 4, 2017, met with the 4th generation Nikkei jins of Manila Central Luzon Nippi, Inc. Thereafter, had a meeting with Manila Nippi President Stephen Buni, Atty. Pacsi, and Mr. Darauay and Mr. Rogel Garidan and PNLSC staff Ms Marie and Ms. Emie.
Matters discussed were about Manila Nikkei jins concerns and problems and profile, reliability and stability of some JPIC members.
Tokumitsu kaichou assured Manila Nippi that all the JPIC members are of good moral and financial standing and all members are credible and sincere in their efforts to provide the Nikkei jins with good source of livelihood in Japan.
On August 22, 2017, another JPIC member Triumph Co., Ltd. President. Masaaki Hanzawa and Mr. Russell Rowe Montajes with Eve paid a courtesy visit to Consul and Counselor Toshio Kawauchi.
On October 11, 2017, JPIC members headed by Tokumitsu Kaicho, Hoshi Shacho, Sekino Kaicho, Komata Jyomu, Ohtsubo Shacho, Beulah San, Kanazume Kaicho, Yoshimoto San attended the 25th PNJK-IS Founding Anniversary. JPIC presented the school with monetary gift.
On October 22, 2017, was the JPIC Directors’ Meeting at PNLSC Yotsuya, Tokyo, Japan. Fellowship Dinner at Hokkaido Yotsuya Restaurant followed afterwards. In attendance were JPIC Tokumitsu Kaicho, Sekino Kaicho, Komata Jyoumu, Kawagishi Shacho and Eve, Atty. Kawai, Atty. Mochizuki, Mr. Inomata, Ms. Ishii, Rengokai President Mallari, PNJK President Ecovilla, Ms. Apigo, Ms. Tagud, Ms. Iwamoto, NIPPI President Buni, Mr. Darauay, Mr. Garidan.
October 23–25, 2017, attended the 58th Kai Gai Nikkei Tai Kai with PNJK-Davao and NIPPIManila delegates.
A Welcome Party was hosted by the Imperial Family and attended by no less than their Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.
In the evening of 24th was a dinner hosted by MOFA headed by the new Foreign Minister H.E Taro Kono.
November 4, 2017, Tokumitsu Kaicho, Ito Shacho and Eve attended the Philippine Nikkei jin Kai Rengokai, Inc. General Assembly at Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila followed by the PNLSC, Inc. Management Meeting.
Atty. Kawai proudly announced that PNLSC was able to achieve 209 approved shuseki within 5 years. Indeed, an achievement worthy of a grand celebration.
“おつかれさまです！”
