The signage installed along the Manila Highway welcoming the delegates to the 9th National Convention of the Filipino descendants.
Photos of the Davao Delegates with lawyers both in Manila and Japan, PNLSC staff and JPIC President.
9th National Convention of the Filipino descendants held in Manila on January 28, 2016 at Diamond Hotel.
Jan
28
2016
By Admin
JAPAN-PHILIPPINES INDUSTRY COUNCIL (JPIC)
Please allow me to convey my profound appreciation and gratitude for the opening of the 9th National Convention of the Filipino-Japanese Descendants.
After World War II, the Descendants were forced to face to hardship and to deal with the problems like discrimination, ignorance, poverty, citizenship and so on. But even under the circumstances, you overcame them and are struggling sturdily through your hard work which is one of the core values of the Japanese. First, we acknowledge and appreciate your great effort in the field of business as well as academics.
Now I would like to review the history briefly. In 2005, it’s a significant year for the society of Filipino-Japanese descendants because the joint team of Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai of Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., we, Japan Philippine Industry Council and some volunteers could find the Koseki tohon or the true copies of the Family Register of some of the families thanks to the huge support from the Japanese government, in addition to the great financial assistance from the Nippon Foundation led by Chairman Mr. Sasakawa and President Mr. Ogata. Then we could start the project for those who were classified as Category C, so that they get legal recognition as Japanese descendants. We conducted the investigation intensively; however there were so many families of descendants who did not keep any proof of identity as Japanese.
This was the start of the shuseki project initiated by PNLSC, chapters of the Nikkei Jin Kai in the Philippines and the Nippon Foundation.
From 2005 and until now, as a fruit of this project, many families were recognized by Japanese government and have gone to Japan to meet their family or relatives there. But unfortunately as for the Category B and C families, a number of 1, 199 and 282 respectively still haven’t been recognized.
I believe that the efficient team of the Federation will face seriously and resolve these difficulties. Today, it’s the special day of visit of their Majesties Emperor and Empress of Japan here in the Philippines. We are assembled here to unite and build a stronger bond throughout the society of Filipino-Japanese descendant’s nationwide.
Japan and Philippines are different countries but you are the tie of both. Let us continue the effort, deepen further the communication and promote cultural exchange for peace and prosperity.
We, JPIC also will continue to make contribution for you as much as possible. May your life and future be filled with delight and positivity.
Mabuhay!
YOSHIHIRO TOKUMITSU President, Japan Philippine Industry Council Manila, Philippines
Jan
28
2016
By Admin
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TOKYO, JAPAN
My warmest congratulations to the Philippines Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Inc. on the occasion of the 9th Nikkeijin convention on 28 January 2016 in Manila!
The year 2016 celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Philippines-Japan relations. Despite the shifts in our history, there can be no greater testimony to this deep and abiding friendship than the personal relationships forged between the Filipinos and the Japanese, particularly through the Japanese descendants who reside in the Philippines after the Second World War.
The theme of this year’s convention, “War-Displaced Japanese Descendants: Reunion of the Voices and the Journey Onward” not only recognizes the diversity of experience among the Filipino Nikkeijin but also their meaningful contribution to Philippine-Japan relations.
Mabuhay ang Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Rengokai!
Mabuhay kayong lahat!
MANUEL M. LOPEZ Ambassador
Jan
28
2016
By Admin
EMBASSY OF JAPAN
IN THE PHILIPPINES
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants of the 9th National Convention of the Philippine Nikkei-jin Kai Rengokai, Inc., the umbrella organization of the Japanese descendants with 11 local chapters nationwide. At the same time, I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding leadership of your President, Mrs. Ines Mallari.
The Federation has been playing a pivotal role in reuniting and enriching the well-being of the Japanese descendants who were once displaced by World War II. Furthermore, the federation is now becoming an indispensable organization to uphold the mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines and their respective peoples.
In this context, I wish to state that this year is a very special year for us. This year, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our nations.
It is a great honor and pleasure that we can start this special year with a very important milestone which is the historical and memorable visit of their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the Philippines. I am sure that this will further enhance and strengthen the already cordial and warm relations existing between our two countries.
Lastly, I want to thank again all of you for your strong commitment to the strengthening of our bilateral relations and I likewise wish you great success on your convention.
