Nov
30
2015

“HOMECOMING TOUR 2015″By Helen Escovilla

By Admin

helenMore than a decade of searching their father, finally they are going to Japan to visit the Homeland of their father. The visit is to appeal to the Japanese government for them to be recognized as Japanese national. The lucky candidates
as of this year Homecoming Tour are the children of Mashimura Marumoto namely, Pacita, Roque and Estodi. The other family is the child of Hotohori Abe named, Dorina Abe. There are three children of Hotohori Abe who are alive but due to health condition, they were not able to join the Homecoming Tour thus Dorina Abe represents her two siblings.

 In preparation to our departure, we asked them to prepare themselves to be in good health. You will be questioned in family court. Upon our arrival in Japan, you will face the media, who could help us in looking your relatives in Japan.

October 15, 2016- Departure from Davao to Manila.The group arrived in Manila safely then proceeded to Shalom Center Hotel. Mr. Norihiro Inomata and his two staff arranged the welcome dinner at Mr. Poon Restaurant. I did not know that Mr. Inomata will leave ahead of us, until that night he informed me that I am the only person who will bring the group to Japan. I am nervous but got no choice but to be strong.

October 16, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. Personal Appearance at Japanese Embassy in Manila for our visa. It did not take us long to receive our visa. 2nd Gen appeared at Japanese Consul for signature purposes.

October 16, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. Interview conducted by Ms. Narumi Tateda from Manila Shimbun. The reporter of Manila shimbun speaks English well, so I spoke in Visayan to the 2nd gen and interpreted their answers into English. The Press interview lasted for 2 hours and after the interview, PNLSC staff was around to distribute our ticket and give reminders to everyone.

October 17-18, 2015. 2 days stayed at the Hotel with delicious food provided by Ms. Emie Billiones. During these days, the 2nd gen cannot go out to go to Mall due to Typhoon Lando. The wind is so heavy outside and I advised them better not to go out to avoid accidents. Let us pray for our safe travel on Monday.

October 19, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. Departure bound for Japan. We left Shalom Hotel at 5:00 A.M., had check in at PAL counter bound for Haneda. I get forms of Immigration and fill it up. Then we fall in line to the Immigration Officers. There were few questions asked but I can explain to them the purpose of our travel. We safely pass at Philippine Immigration without hassles then proceeded to the waiting area for boarding. When boarding time, I informed Mr. Inomata through text that we are on board. At the plane, I noticed that the olds were nervous and excited. While on plane I filled up the forms of their Japan Immigration card and Customs. During the flight we did not experience any turbulence, it was a smooth flight, that the olds said it was a good flight no “lubak lubak” unlike
a travel to their place full of “lubak lubak”. I thank God, he heard our prayer for good weather.

Upon our arrival, we proceeded to Japan Immigration, I am nervous because I am not confident with my Nihongo, I spoke to Immigration Officer and I understand her question, I told them that I cannot leave them and
shown to them the Travel Document, they immediately brought us to the office of Immigration where the officer put stamped, requested us for finger printing and removed our disembarkation card then proceeded to Custom area to claim our baggage. I thanked God again, we succeeded that no difficult questions asked to us.

When we met Mr. Inomata and Mr. Kobari, he brought us to the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu where the media men are waiting for press conference. During the Press con Atty . Hiroyuki Kawaii and the Executive Director of Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yuji Mori gave speech after his speech the 2nd Gen was introduced by Mr. Inomata. There were questions asked by media’s to the 2nd Gen but they answered it well. After the Press conference, Tatay Estodi got dizzy, he seated for a while hoping he could get back but he was not, Ms. Kyoko Ishii requested wheel chair from the hotel, so we brought him to the car, going to the Hotel. Mr. Inomata assisted Tatay Estodi in going up and down from the car to the hotel. Ms Takano, Ms Kyoko and Mr. Inomata brought Tatay Estodi to his room. We stayed for a while hoping Tatay Estodi could join dinner with us. But it was not, we asked Benedict his grandson to stay with Tatay Estodi while the rest will have dinner. Mr. Inomata bought food for Benedict and Tatay Estodi. Mr. Inomata advised me if in case Tatay Estodi’s condition get worst, I will call him so that we could bring him to the hospital.

Oct. 20, 2015 Schedule of Court Appearance. Dorina Abe was assisted by Mr. Inomata with Mr. Kobari as interpreter in court. While the Marumoto family, Ms. Kyoko Ishii and I assisted them in Court. It was my first time to be in court in Japan, and it was also the first time of Ms. Ishii that there were 3 investigators handling the case of Marumoto siblings. As interpreter I know the family background but I cannot answer for them because the court needed their answer. It took us 3 hours in court but we are hoping for the best result since the documents of Tatay Estodi, the name of his father was indicated as Mashimura Marumoto and the nationality is Japanese. That is one strong evidence of the Marumoto siblings and the family photos taken before the war.

Oct. 21, 2015 Senate Appearance to the Office of Senator Kensuke Miyazaki. The 2nd Gen together with Atty. Hiroyuki Kawaii, Ms. Takano, Ms. Ishii, Mr. Inomata, Ms. Okubo of Nippon Foundation and Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla have a courtesy meeting with the Honorable Senator Kensuke Miyazaki. He said to the 2nd Gen that he will try his best that the Category C will be interviewed by Japanese Consul in Manila in support to our shuseki petition. Another promise is that he will request that during the visit of Emperor in Japan to the Philippines, the Nikkei community will be given a slot. He said when he was 2 years old until 7 years old he lived in Manila.

At Nippon Foundation Office. After the courtesy call to the office of Senator Kensuke, we proceed to the office of Nippon Foundation we were served lunch and after a sumptuous lunch we met Mr. Ogata, the President of Nippon Foundation. All 2nd gen extended their thanks and gratitude to the President. He even gave advice to the 2nd Gen not to stop working even if they are old.

Sky Tree Tokyo Tower. After our courtesy visit at Nippon Foundation, they brought us to Sky Tree Tokyo Tower. In this place you can see the overview of Tokyo. Everyone were so happy while watching down the building.

October 22, 2015- Flight back to Davao. We checked out at Tokyu Stay Hotel. Ms. Takano was around to bid goodbye to us while Mr. Inomata took us to Haneda Airport. When in the airport, we checked in at the counter of ANA Airline. I showed to them our tickets and Travel Document, but to my dismay they refused to accept the Travel Document of the 2nd Gen. The officer of the check in counter said to me, that she will refer this to her supervisor because it is new to her. Mr. Inomata explained to the Supervisor as I understand, they have no nationality and they were stateless (in Japanese “Kokuseki nai”) so they were issued Travel Document that will serve as their passport. The Supervisor left then came back and refused us again. She did come back I think 3 times to refuse the Travel document.

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This time Mr. Inomata got mad. The check in counter advised me that to those holding a regular passport can go ahead. I said to her, NO ma’am, I cannot leave without them. After 1 hour and 30 minutes of waiting she finally accepted the Travel Document. The boarding pass was issued to the 2nd gen, the Supervisor try to apologize, but we ran out of time, so we left from the check in counter going to Immigration. It was almost 9a.m our flight time. We did not request for wheelchair for the old because we think we have so much time walking to our gate no. for departure.

At the Immigration we have no hard time presenting our Travel Document. The officer stamped the Travel Document without question. When we arrived at our Gate no. it is good that the Flight was delayed for 30 minutes. We left Japan at 9:30 A.M.

When we arrived in Manila at Terminal 3, we went to Immigration and I showed to the officer the Travel Document. The Immigration Officer brought us inside their office to fill up the forms of the stateless 2nd Gen. There were questions but I explained to them the purpose of our travel in Japan. We picked up our baggage and proceeded to the Transfer desk for Terminal 2. Our flight is 5:00 P.M., and we arrived at Davao at 8:00 P.M. We separate ways at Davao Airport.

The visit of the 2nd Generations to Japan will not be possible without the people behind this project. The PNLSC President, Mr. Hiroyuki Kawaii and his ever supportive staff Ms. Takano, Ms, Ishii and Mr. Inomata, we are really grateful for the time and their dedication to their work for the approval of the 2nd Gen Shuseki Petition. The PNLSC staff in Manila, who work hard for the Travel Document and visas of the 2nd Gen. The Nippon Foundation President, Mr. Ogata a very compassionate person. His sincerity to help the Nikkei jins to be recognized as Japanese national had promised to continue its financial support to them. The presence of Ms. Okubo during our visit will always give me a smile to her being a jolly person. The ever active PNJK President, Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, despite the distance from Ibaraki to Tokyo, she was around to support the Nikkei jins.

To all the supporters in this project, the happiness you give to the 2nd Gen and to their companions will always be remembered and forever be grateful because of your good deeds.

As an assistant to the 2nd Gen. thank you for your trust to me. I am happy and forever be grateful to experiencethis meaningful kind of work.

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Blessing of New Building at Calinan, September 17, 2015

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Okinawa Visit, July 26, 2015

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IRESAI, AUGUST 15, 2015

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Nov
30
2015

Ayako Uchida’s 16th Death Anniversary, March 4, 2015

By Admin

March 4, 2015, the PNJK Family observed the 16th death anniversary of our most distinguished benefactor Ayako Uchida san. The celebration was held at the foot of the statute fronting PNJK building housing the MKD and PNJK offices. In attendance were the PNJK-IS key personnel, MKD faculty and staff, the work force of PNJK Inc. Some closed friends from other entities came to pay due respect to someone whose generosity and noble idealism is beyond question. She
indeed left a legacy that could not be compared with other civic oriented people. Her vision for quest of proper education is bearing fruits more so with the MKD graduates who are now practicing their profession in the land of the rising sun. We salute you, Ayako san, may you find complete joy in the kingdom of our creator.

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Nov
30
2015

“PRESIDENT’S REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION TO THE 56th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF NIKKEI ABROAD” Inclusive date: October 27~29, 2015 By Ines P. Mallari

By Admin

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)

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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.

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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.

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Japan’s Minister of Justice, Mr. Iwaki asking further information about Filipino Nikkeijins


Nov
30
2015

From the Desk of PRESIDENT By Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, President

By Admin

judgeFor year 2015, our association is so blessed with the numerous number of approved shuseki which program is funded by the Nippon Foundation. The generous financial assistance extended by the Nippon Foundation under the leadership of Chairman Yohei Sasakawa paved the way to acknowledging and recognizing PNJK members as children of the Japanese national. The favorable judgment obtained served as an inspiration to all movers to continue research work for those second generation who have yet to be recognized. We salute the staff of PNLSC, Japan, PNLSC Manila and the Project Administrator based in Davao City under the supervision of PNJK
Davao Chapter for their joint effort in processing all documents used as evidence supporting the Petitions before the Family Court in Japan.

The members whose petitions were approved for the year 2015 are: Akatsuka Tamiko, AsatoLydia, Chikaraishi Emma, Chikaraishi Carmela, Chikaraishi Adela, Goya Yukio, Goya Carmencita, Kobayashi Loleng Masae, Murasato Satoko, Nakama Lauro, Sakagawa Irenea, Takemoto Francisca, Takeshige Victoria, Tsuruoka Norberto, Tsuruoka Celestino, Tsuruoka Leonora, Tsuruoka Saturnino and Yagi Josefina Michiko. Their patience for waiting after almost six(6) decades had paid off.

On July 21-23, 2015, selected 2nd Generation and 3rd Generations were given the task of submitting an appeal to the Japanese Government supported by thousands of signatures not only from those affected by the denial of the shuseki petitions but from third parties who are aware of the plight of the war-displaced descendants . Details for this particular item, please read the article written by our Federation President Ines P. Mallari.

On October 27-29, 2015, a group of delegates attended the International Convention of Nikkei and Japanese abroad. President Ines P. Mallari was invited to share the experience of the descendants before, during and after the war. In addition she succeeded in presenting what so far has been accomplished by the Nikkei Community in the Philippines. From among 182 delegates coming from the 17 countries, she was given the privilege to deliver her message before the parliamentarians and other high-ranking officials in Japan. The article regarding this memorable event can be found inside this newsletter.

While we rejoice the blessings received we are all saddened by the passing away of ourmembers notably Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez, Sr., one of the pillars of the association and hascontinuously served as its Chairman for so many years. May he and the others rest in peace.


Nov
30
2015

JPIC UP-DATES: THE TRANSITION By Eve Obuchi, JPIC Liaison Officer

By Admin

48In many circles, conforming and succumbing to something comfortable and typical is viewed as a god thing, but there is always room for transformation, transition and renewal of vision.

On June 20, 2015, Japan Philippine Industry Council (JPIC) had its election in Nikko, Japan, after 10 years. A new president has been elected in the person of Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu. He is the president /owner of Nansatsu Shokucho Co., Ltd. and Enu Chicken Agricultural Union Corporation located in Kagoshima, Japan. The new officers of JPIC for 2015-2017 are as follows:

President :                                                           Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu
Vice President (Higashi) :                                 Mr. Chokichi Hoshi
Vice President (Nishi) :                                      Mr. Takao Shironaka
Directors :                                                            Mr. Hideo Ito
                                                                               Mr. Hiroki Komata
                                                                               Mr. Masatoshi Kawagishi
                                                                               Mr. Masaaki Hanzawa
Advisers :                                                             Mr. Shinobu Murakami
                                                                               Mr. Akira Sekino
                                                                               Mr. Hirokazu Mori

Like the former JPIC President Ito, President Tokumitsu is a firm believer of the saying that if you want to get what you want, you should be the one to create it because if someone else has created it for you, then what you get may not be what you want.

President Tokumitsu stressed the importance of “sense of gratitude and loyalty”. Nikkei jin must not forget and preserve their history; to value and honor their words and to bridge the gap and strengthen the bond between Japan and Philippines.

JPIC under the new leadership aims to increase the number of its members, as a matter of fact, as of this writing there are 4 additional new members of JPIC; to continue supporting academic scholarship grants to deserving students of PNJK –IS main and Calinan campus; to continue supporting the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai (Federation) and the different Nikkei Jin Kai associations in the Philippines, especially, Davao, Manila, IIoilo, Zamboanga and someday, Cebu too.

JPIC is not only limiting its support to Japanese descended Filipinos but also to Filipino people as well. On May 14, 2015, one of JPIC members, Toshi Co. who’s Chairman Mr. Toshifumi Shironaka a councilor of Mitoyo City had a courtesy visit to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to forge sisterhood between Mitoyo and Davao .

The economy of Japan is picking up and there will be plenty of job opportunities for Nikkei jins and Filipinos as Japan gears it way to the 2020 Summer Olympic and most of all, Japan has open its door to the world.

Continue reading JPIC UP-DATES: THE TRANSITION By Eve Obuchi, JPIC Liaison Officer