Sep
16
2015

After a lifetime By: Arianne Caryl N. Casas Saturday, May 17, 2014 Sun.Star Davao

By Admin

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SHE was only four years old when their Japanese father left as World War II intensified. That was the last she saw her father.

Filipino-Japanese descendant Conchita (Japanese name Takiko) Miyazato-Basilan is now 73 years old and lives with her grandchildren in her half-hectare lot in Barangay Cogon, Biao in Digos, Davao del Sur.

Born on June 16, 1940, Conchita is the only surviving offspring of the late Antonia Payan, of the Kalagan tribe, and Genichi Miyazato, who came to work as a cook in the Japanese military camp in Sasa, Davao City.

Davao City was home to around 20,000 Japanese before World War II broke out, working in abaca plantations and tending to different businesses here. The Japanese Practically owned the businesses along the major streets of Davao City and in Toril and Calinan, such that it was commonly referred to as Davao-ku, or a district of Japan.

Genichi arrived in the Philippines in 1929 and was engaged in abaca farming in Digos. He got acquainted with Filipina Antonia and they eventually got married. Because their wedding was held following the Kalagan tribal ceremony, there is no record of marriage and the date of their marriage is unknown.

Conchita is the only daughter of the couple, the rest were boys namely Francisco (Ichiro), Pedro (Ginijiro), and Romeo (Kinichi). Their mother taught them to live a simple life with dignity and respect for others.

When war broke out, Genichi moved to Calinan in Davao City with other Japanese and Filipinos who were on the side of Japan for his own safety.

(Davao- Conchita Miyazato-Basilan and her Japanese kin shed tears after seeing each other for the first time. King Rodriguez)

Meanwhile, Antonia and the children took refuge in the woods of Malita. Later on, they were notified that Genichi died in Calinan due to malaria.
After the war, Antonia supported the four children by herself. Conchita, as a child, helped her mother to earn a living.

There wasn’t enough money for school. She married at the age of 13 and had 12 children—Arturo, Alberto (deceased), Orlando, Oscar, Tommy (deceased), Diosdado, Rico, Jesus, Nenito (deceased), Jenny Rose, Jessie, and Archie.

Now widowed, she lives with them and her 29 grandchildren and 14 grand grandchildren in Digos City.

In 1995, Conchita participated in the survey on second generation Japanese descendants held by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, with hope of finding the identity of her father.

Her youngest son, Archie, helped her in tracing the roots of their father in Japan.

“I was a college student then. I almost lost hope because we had no documents on hand. The only proof we had was the family picture with our grandfather. We were told to keep it but my uncle misplaced it. We thought it would be hopeless,” Archie said in the vernacular.

Conchita was determined to find her father’s relatives although the cumbersome job of doing so snipped her high hopes.

“We were challenged. It was really very hard. We had to travel from Digos to Davao City and transact with people we trusted so much. But, circumstances delayed the chance of seeing them. I later lost hope, so I told myself sending them prayers would be enough,” Conchita said.

Archie reprocessed the papers in 2000, but to no avail. He again worked for it in 2006, still with a negative result.

Thirteen years later, the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC), who helps Japanese descendants to trace their roots and recover their Japanese nationality, found her father’s family registry in Japan as a result of research.

“We were happy. We were excited to hear the news,” Archie said. For Conchita, learning that the Japanese family was already traced was enough for her.

Until the organization told her that the Japanese family wanted to meet her in person and visit the grave of Genichi.

From Okinawa

Genichi was married and had four children in his hometown in Okinawa, Japan, before coming to the Philippines. His Japanese wife and the children (all of them are now deceased) knew that Genichi had another family in the Philippines.

In December 2013, one of his grandsons from Japan side called the office of PNLSC in Tokyo. Learning through a newspaper article that the organization was helping the children of pre-war Japanese immigrants in the Philippines, he asked for help in finding his grandfather’s grave and his children with a Filipina wife. As PNLSC heard the details from Tsuyoshi Miyazato, 55, the grandson in Okinawa, it became clear that he was a relative of Conchita.

According to Tsuyoshi, the children of Genichi had hard feelings toward him but seemed not to be able to completely forget him either. This time, Tsuyoshi and three of Genichi’s grandchildren, namely Shigeru Taira, 67, Hiroshi Miyazato, 64, and KatsukoMinei, 60, wanted to meet their aunt and visit the place where their grandfather rests.

The Reunion

Conchita traveled from Digos City to Davao City early morning of May 16, riding on a Lawin (a public utility jeepney that can carry more than 20 passengers). She was with her children and grandchildren.

Wearing a dark colored blouse, light pants and a pair of doll shoes, Conchita appeared excited to see Japanese nephews and niece. She had hair dye stain on her scalp.

“My grandchildren colored my hair black. They told me I had lots of white hairs. They cautioned me that our Japanese relatives might not recognize me because I look very old,” Conchita said.

Conchita’s voice was raspy. She said she suffered from a heart attack years ago and that affected her voice. “I am old and sick. And that’s the reason why I stopped believing that I could still see them,” she said.

It was a sunny Friday at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport during the reunion of the Miyazato family.

Tsuyoshi, Shigeru, Hiroshi and Katsuko, all from Okinawa, Japan, arrived noon of May 16. They were accompanied by representatives from Nippon Foundation and Japanese media.

Their reunion was the first time that a homecoming was held in the Philippines. Reunions in the past were in Japan.

With their bags in tow excitement and happiness were drawn on the faces of the four Japanese relatives of Conchita.

Conchita, meanwhile, positioned herself at the arrival area, carrying a tarpaulin with a welcome message.

It was Shigeru who first identified Conchita and moved towards her. He hugged her aunt so tight for the very first time. They were both crying so hard.

Tsuyoshi, Hiroshi and Katsukocame near and hugged Conchita. They were also crying.

“My sister’s hair was white. But yours is black. You colored your hair?” Shigeru jested. The conversation between the relatives was translated by Rika Taniguchi of Hello World Tour in Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai Inc.
Shigeru said they know about the second family of her grandfather since they were young, but their grandmother, Genichi’s Japanese wife, refused to look for them. Until such time, they already decided for themselves to pursue what they want—to meet the second family of Genichi.

Tsuyoshi, meanwhile, asked for forgiveness from her aunt. He said he was hesitant at first to look for his aunt due to some security issues in the Philippines years ago.

“I feel sorry for my aunt Conchita. It took us a very long time to see her,” Tsuyoshi said.

“We come here for two reasons. First is to offer a prayer to the soul of our grandfather Genichi. Second is to meet our relatives here, especially the children of our grandfather,” he said.

Shigeru said they are yet to discuss with Miyazato-Basilan any plans to meet with their relatives in Japan.

“We have not decided yet. But we will help them. We will send something from Japan to the family of our aunt. Something that they need. It’s about time that we have to take care of her,” Shigeru said.

“In my own opinion, I would want to bring Conchita to Japan but it is something that we, cousins, need to discuss yet,” he said.

Conchita, on the other hand, said she is very grateful for the efforts of her nephews and niece to look for her.

“I am already old. I live peacefully with my grandchildren. I never expected this would still happen. Thank you,” Conchita said in the vernacular.

If given a chance, she said she is willing to go to Japan with the grandchildren of her father.

Although she had only few words to tell them due to language barrier, the happiness and satisfaction are visible on her eyes.

The Japanese family thanked the Nippon Foundation and the PNLSC for helping them locate their aunt.

After their emotional meet-up at the airport, the family proceeded to Nanay Bebeng Restaurant and had lunch together. In the afternoon, they went to Tamugan Cemetery and visit the grave of Genichi.

The Japanese relatives yesterday visited Conchita in her abode in Digos City and the place where Genichi lived before as part of their six-day visit.

Retired Judge Antonina Oshita Escovilla, president of the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai Inc., said the visit of the grandchildren of Genichi to Conchita marks the first time that a homecoming/reunion was held in the Philippines.

She said a Japan-Philippines nongovernment organization (NGO) sponsors Filipino-Japanese descendants to go to Japan and meet their relatives there, but this year, it will be the Japanese relatives who will come to the Philippines to personally be with the descendants.

“She’s really very lucky. They tried everything to look for her. So, this is going to be a reunion,” Escovilla said.

The reunion of the two families is a testament of love. Although Conchita belongs to the second family of her Japanese father, her relatives from the first family looked for her to say thank you and sorry for all.

As what the Corinthians teach us, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

 


Sep
16
2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

By Admin

REV. BERNARDO N. FERNANDEZ, SR.,

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PNJK, INC.

 

FOR HAVING BEEN CONFERRED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN THE ORDER OF THE RISING SUN, GOLD AND SILVER RAYS, GIVEN LAST NOVEMBER 13, 2013, FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE JAPANESE DESCENDANTS’ SOCIETY IN THE DAVAO REGION.

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FROM THE PHILIPPINE NIKKEI JIN KAI INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF


Sep
16
2015

“Unveiling of the Memorial Monument”

By Admin

 Early part of 2013, Bishop Masataka Ajiro, President of Japan PhilippineVolunteer Association, conferred with the Honorable City Mayor, Rodrigo R. Duterte at the Marco Polo Hotel, with the purpose of requesting from the latter a space at the Mintal Public Cemetery as the burial/resting place of Japanese retirees or those who wish to be buried in Davao City. Present were the former Cabinet Member of Japan Mr. Yamahana Ikuo, Ms. Masumi Yagi, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, Mr. Juseven Austero, yours truly, and some JPVA members. Bishop Ajiro informed the Honorable Mayor regarding the number of Japanese residents in Davao City, some of whom are retirees who chose Davao City as the place to spend the remaining years of their lives. In fact, there are more who desire to come to Davao City, knowing that under the leadership of the Mayor, the Japanese retirees are assured of their safety.wdws wdws

His love for the Japanese had prodded the Honourable Mayor and without any hesitation to accede to the request of Bishop Ajiro. The Mayor’s aide, Mr. Bong Co, called Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento, Barangay Captain of Mintal, conveying the subject of the meeting. Barangay Captain Bargamento assured the Honorable Mayor of the availability of space at the cemetery. The meeting that night ended full of hope from those who heard the good news.

A few months thereafter, on October 7, 2013, the general public composed mostly of Japanese residents and selected staff from the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and PNJK International School witnessed the unveiling ceremony of the memorial monument. No less than the City Mayor, Rodrigo Roa Duterte together with Bishop Masataka Ajiro, the Honorable Consul Koichi Ibara unveiled the monument. Consul Koichi Ibara of the Consulate Office of Japan in Davao delivered his message, followed by the remarks from Bishop Ajiro. Hon. City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte gave his inspirational speech.

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The construction was made possible out of his personal money.  He warned those present during the ceremony, saying that the memorial monument will be secured twenty-four hours a day to deter unscrupulous treasure hunters from destroying the monument on the belief that gold or any valuable is kept in the recently unveiled monument. No treasures exist contrary to the claim of others. Neither is there truth to the so-called Yamashita treasure as this is just a product of those whose aim is to fool moneyed people wishing to amass more wealth or to erect a museum for relics of value.

The memorial monument stands as confirmation of the continuing friendly relations between the two countries, Japan and the Philippines.


Sep
16
2015

“Trip to Japan”By: Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK President

By Admin

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As officially agreed in a Board meeting where majority of the members present voted for the business trip of the President of the PNJK INC. Davao City Chapter, President of the Federation of the Nikkei Jin Kai and JPIC Coordinator, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari and yours truly left for Japan on October 18, 2013. Mrs. Eve Obuchi, JPIC Coordinator left ahead of us and met us at the Narita Airport in the evening of October 18, 2013. We checked in at Narita Tobu Hotel.

The following day, October 19, 2013, on board the limousine bus similar to our buses cruising along the national highways in Davao City, but more improved in technology and appearance, the three of us proceeded to Haneda Airport. The usual airport inspection having been completed, we waited for our flight bound for Kagoshima.

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At Kagoshima, Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu, President of Enuchicken met us.  He brought us to his plant, where we were introduced to several of his assistants.  Mrs. Mallari and yours truly toured the processing area. Before entering a particular area we were asked to wear gears similar to the uniform of their factory workers. We passed through the disinfectant area to ensure that we were not brigning in any unwanted virus that may be detrimental to the chickens being processed.

We saw workers inside but could not recognize them as they were covered from head to foot. But what we saw is enough to conclude that the area is meticulously clean and orderly.  After conveying to Mr. Tokumitsu the purpose of our visit, that is to encourage the members of our association to organize as a group and the benefit that may derive there from once organized, he promised to support such objective.

After the conference with the officials of Enuchicken we were ushered back to Kagoshima City. This is the city where Mt. Sakurajima spews volcanic ashes almost every day. This has become an attraction to some tourists but a form of disaster on the part of the residents of Kagoshima.  Residents of Kagoshima wore masks. Workers in the office used machines to clean their surrounding area. Mrs. Mallari, whose grandparents are from Kagoshima, gathered some ashes as a souvenir to the delight of Mr. Sato, a foreman of Mr. Tokumitsu. We checked in at Urbic Hotel in Kagoshima.

The following day, Sunday, nearly all of the factory workers were gathered in the multipurpose area of the building. We met the Kamiyama sisters, one of whom is still undergoing medication. We saw Remy Taguchi and her husband. We saw Delia with her husband Mr. Suemitsu, as well as the daughter of Teresita Villas and her apo. The newly-married Ritchell to her bucho, including her baby were there. We have not heard any problem from the members. They are happy and content to stay in a peaceful place—a place that is environment-friendly, being surrounded by trees and far from the city. Much to our surprise a program was prepared not only by our descendants but also by the Japanese. Each of us was asked to give a message.  Almost everyone wanted us to taste the food prepared by each family. We met the spouses from Manila and the lady whose name I failed to get. She was so impressed by the way we send our members to Japan. According to her our system is so transparent unlike the entity that processed her papaers.

At the end of the day parting was difficult but we still had to continue our journey. We boarded the plane to Tokyo at the Kagoshima airport. Because of my Filipino coins my bag had to be scanned by the machine four times.

In Tokyo, we met Atty. Hideshige Aoki.  He invited us to dinner at his residence. After checking in at Kanda Hotel, we were on our way to the residence of Atty. Aoki by train. We were met by Mrs. Junko Aoki and her dog Diana. Mrs. Aoki prepared dinner and we had fun exchanging pleasantries with the couple, as well as discussing the purpose of our visit. Atty. Aoki said that the aim of organizing the Filipino-descendants in Japan is commendable. Cooperation and unity are two criteria that would sustain a viable organization.

The following day, October 22, 2013, we left for Shizuoka via shinkansen.  This time we were met by Miles, a representative of ACT, a company headed by Kawagishi Kaicho and his son. We talked lengthily with the father and son who were reluctant in allowing their workers to organize on the basis that they may stage a strike or even engage in illegal activities.  Mrs. Mallari explained her position in organizing the descendants. She further conveyed to them that as President of the Federation the organized group will be under her supervision. With rigid supervision and formulation of policies that will be a step further from any irregularities and engagement in illegal activities, she is of the opinion that a strike would never occur.  President Kawagishi was convinced with the explanation of Mrs. Mallari. In fact he said their company is in need of more employees, but that they could not give salary increase. While the pay is still within the minimum wage law, giving more is quite difficult.

Both father and son were so gracious enough to invite us to dinner with Vangie who has and is still employed in their company for years and Miles, the over all in charge of some of our descendants.

The following day, we were conducted by Miles to the train station for our trip to Sendai. On October 23, we were met by Hoshi syachou and checked in at the Green Hotel. In the evening, we were gathered at one restaurant by Mr. Hoshi and his son. Thereat, we met the Lumbac family, Esaki family, Emma the granddaughter of Yaiko, Luzminda Morikawa.

In the morning of October 24, 2013, we were fetched by Mr. Hoshi at Green Hotel Kakuda and after bidding goodbye to Mr. Hoshi’s son and his dog, we were on our way to the area where the 2011 tsunami devastated the whole town.  Only few people could be seen working along the seaside. The place is so barren that I could only view empty lots with signs of destruction of houses and buildings. Next, we visited the area where the radiation levels were quite alarming. We were not allowed to enter the restricted area. There was one town which had new buildings that had to be abandoned on account of the government warning the residents against occupation as the radiation level would endanger their lives.  The wastage of resources was perceptive. Houses that were designed beautifully were empty, without any occupants. Buildings apparently newly built could no longer be used for business purposes. Plants were left to wither.  We saw presumably government men manning the area in full gear, attire that would prevent them from inhaling the dangerous gas that may anytime emit from the enclosed radiation plant.

From there, we went to the office of Mr. Hideo Ito.  We conversed for a while then Russel Montajes with Mr. Hiroki Komata arrived to take us to Hanzawa syachou. We said goodbye and thanked Mr. Hoshi for his warm hospitality.

We were warmly received in the office of Mr. Masaaki Hanzawa. Greetings posted right beside the door adorned with fresh flowers boosted our depleting energy. The Nakasone family was there – Edna, Mitos and Jam. We were so happy to see them all in good health.  We passed by the massage parlor of Mr. Hanzawa and thereat Sheryl Magtulis with her sister Aimee was eagerly waiting for our arrival. Again we saw another signage welcoming the three visitors from Davao.  We checked in at Hotel Ookuro Onzen located right within the mountain. Though it was raining we were able to spend a few minutes at the so-called ofro where warm and natural water flow.

October 25, 2013 we visited Triumph Dormitory recently bought by Mr. Hanzawa. In this dormitory a number of our descendants were housed. The mother of April Mae E. Maton, the sister in law of Mr. Felipe Hiquial and relatives of the Kamiyama clan, conveyed to Eve the plan to go back to the Philippines for medical check up. Advices were given regarding the reason behind their presence in Japan. In all meetings conducted to only those who were available, they were informed the purpose of our visit. The sponsors welcomed the proposal to organize among the Filipino-descendants so that with one voice, sentiments relative to their present condition can be aired to appropriate government offices. If the Filipino descendants in Japan truly would group themselves, it could pave the way for the organization to become known. A slot during the Kigyo Kyo Kai Tai could even be allotted to their group if they gain enough recognition.

After our trip in Fukushima where Mr. Hanzawa’s cell-sites are numerous, we proceeded to Mitaka City on October 25, 2013. It was our last stop before going home. At Omiya station, we were met by Mr. Shuji Honda and his better half, Mercy.  The couple would have wanted to treat us dinner but because we were so full we acceded to simple snacks. It was kind of the couple to meet us at the train despite the heavy schedule of Mr. Honda. He looks different from his usual attire as an artist. In business suit he can be on equal footing with the kaicho (President in English) that we had met earlier in Kagoshima, Shizuoka, Sendai and Fukushima.

October 26, 2013, at Mitaka City Hotel we were fetched by Yusuke, Mr. Uchida’s grandchild, and his better half. From there we proceeded to the Rehabilitation Center where Mr. Uchida was undergoing medical attention. He looked well, and memory-wise he could still recall our accomplishments in the past such as treating me as his sister, his love for Ines and the growth of the association, the school

being a project cherished by his wife Ayako Sensei.

The trip served as a gauge of how the descendants were treated by their respective “syachou”.  Clearly they were comfortable where they stood. They had great accommodations, even better than what they would have had here. Those who want peace and tranquility are in Kagoshima. Expenses there can be keep at a minimum, which would help the descendants save plenty. Saving however isn’t exclusive to those living in Kagoshima. Even if some descendants live in other places, because they live within their means they are still able to save. It is with discipline and curtailment of one’s vices that these people generate a healthy life.  Truly, the descendants are lucky. They need not sell any of your property. Their being a descendant is already an asset.


Sep
16
2015

“Amnesty Grant to Members Who Have Failed to Update Dues”

By Admin

NOTICE TO ALL PNJK INC. MEMBERS:

Those who are delinquent in their annual dues are informed of the amnesty grant to members who have failed to update their dues with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. The text of the Board Resolution No. 18-03-13 is quoted:

RESOLVED THAT AMNESTY SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE DESCENDANTS WHO ARE DELINQUENT IN THE PAYMENT OF THEIR ANNUAL DUES. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE POLICIES TO BE FOLLOWED:

THE AMNESTY SHALL BE EFFECTIVE MARCH 2013TO JUNE 2014;

  1. THIS IS APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN TO JAPAN; AND
  2. REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT DUE TO THE ASSOCIATION, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT TO BE PAID SHALL BE P10,000.00, THE COMPUTATION SHALL BE
  3. 00 PER YEAR AND P120.00 PER YEAR WHEN THEY ARE BACK IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Members are likewise urged to update your family tree.  Our Legal Aide Section will accept the latest addition in your family. Those descendants who were single at the time of registration and are currently married, you are requested to submit your certificates of marriage and if a child is born, furnish the office copy of the live certificate as well as the death certificates of the family member who have left ahead of us. This is a requirement the Embassy of Japan in Manila is asking for their office consumption.