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.


Sep
16
2015

“Can Descendants Present A Rightful Claim”

By Admin

wdwsBY: KASE BERNARDO/ BERNARDO N. FERNANDEZ, SR.

In my readings on the Dissertation for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Murdoch University, Western Australia, 1984 by HAYASE SHINZO, I discovered many historical information’s regarding The Economic Development done by the Japanese in Davao area, City and Province. Among them are the properties owned these Japanese Developers led by OHTA KYOSABURO and FURUKAWA, YOSHIZO. On pages 384-85 of this Dissertation we found.

APPENDIX 9
The following information with heading:
“A LIST OF PLANTATION COMPANIES IN THE DAVAO GULF REGION JAPANESE-SHOWN ON THE MAP IN THE CIRCLES.”

  1. There were nine (9) Trading Centers of Ohta Development Co.
    2. Fifteen (15) purchased plantations with total area of 8,195 hectares.
    3. Fifty (50) leased plantations with a total area of 42, 926 hectares. These trading centers and plantations were established acquired between “1907-1918”, respectively.

One of these plantations is, THE PANGIT PLANTATION INC.,
Hijo Tagum, Davao, whose owner and major stockholder is our father, KASE MANJIRO. This was incorporated on 18th of December 1916, page 358.

This was granted to him by the Datu of Tagum, the uncle of our mother, ESPERANZA PANAMONGAN NAVARRO known in the community as “OGOI”. Thru her this plantation was granted to our father. To facilitate the ownership and cultivation of this property, “THE PANGIT PLANTATION CO., INC. was established with assistance of the OHTA DEVELOPMENT CO., Apart from the corporation our father and OHTA KYOSABURO had an INTERNAL AGREEMENT regarding the development of the plantation. I saw this AGREEMENT but I cannot read it because it was written in Nihongo. It was kept by our Japanese brothers-in-law YAMASHITA, KAKUZO who took over the management of the plantation after the death of our father. This Internal Agreement was lost during the war.

There are other plantations like that of our father and these Japanese owners have descendants like us who may not know this historical information.

There are also parcels of land developed by the Japanese thru “Pakiao” system. However, be it purchased or leased or Pakiao system, the properties were owned and developed by these Japanese developers; fruits of their toil and struggle.

I’m making this presentation addressed if it is worthy to be considered to the Japanese government through its appropriate Agency. Then, if this has its worth to consider, we request our PNJK legal counsel to assist us.

The ISSUE in this case is:

Our Japanese Ancestry came to Davao for economic development and progress, 1907-1941 which they succeeded.

The Japanese government declared war against the United States of America occupying the Philippines for three years and nine months December 1941 to August 1945. These Japanese developers had nothing to do with the WAR. It just happened that they are Japanese citizens. Japan lost the war. The Philippine government confiscated the properties owned and developed by the Japanese civilians.

These Japanese civilians have children by their Filipino wives and we are among them. We were destined to be the HEIRS of these properties.

Now, CAN WEM THE DESCENDANTS NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM OUR INHERITANCE OWNED AND DEVELOPED by our Japanese Fathers?

I honestly believe that the rightful and legitimate Descendants of these Japanese Developers who own the cultivation of the Plantation either purchased, leased or PAKIAO system have the moral and legal right to CLAIM for COMPENSATION of the LOST INHERITANCE destined for them to receive from their Japanese Fathers/ Ancestors. They are VICTIMS of the WAR between the Japan and United States of America.

May I reiterate that they had NOTHING TO DO with the WAR. Their only FAULT if there is, is that they are Japanese citizens. Japan lost the WAR.

I’m requesting other Descendants whose fathers have property for them to inherit were it not for the WAR to come to our PNJK OFFICE so that we can verify your claim. I’m using the Plantation of our Father as an EXAMPLE.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS US ALL.

 


Sep
16
2015

“Unveiling of Philippine Japan Friendship Monument”

By Admin

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A LANDMARK IN THE NAME OF GENUINE HARMONY AND ACCORD

by: Ruben Pascua

Every passerby couldn’t help but view the towering statues of individuals at the main entrance of the PNJK compound – The Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument at Angliongto Avenue, Lanang Davao City. Since its blessing and unveiling to the public last October 3, 2012, the monuments have been attracting a lot of people to come closer and take pictures of these gigantic statues that remind each and everyone of the mutual relationship between Philippines and Japan.

Sculpted by one of the finest artists we have in this country, Kublai Milan; the Philippine – Japan Friendship Monument which costed an estimated amount of 1.2 million pesos shared by the four entities – Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics Center depicts the meeting of varied cultures, diverse thoughts and assortment of rituals. It gives us a clear picture that despite the diversities, Philippines and Japan relationship has paved the way to a more thorough awareness, understanding and more sincere appreciation of the other members of the global village. The monument is a valid testimony of our willingness to create a union with humanity and because of these union, we have achieved progress as an institution.

“Giving credit to where credit is due,” Inside the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD) compound are two other monuments. The administration of PNJK has thought of giving much value to the support of Masataka Ajiro, Sensei Datu Tatsuo Uchida and in honor and memory of his wife Ayako Uchida by constructing monuments that show their sincerity to establish an institution of learning that would become an asset to the community. These two benevolent benefactors of this institution are very much instrumental to the growth of PNJK.

The unveiling and blessing of said monuments was officiated by Rev. Bernardo N. Fernandez Sr. and attended by local government officials, Honored Japanese guests and visitors, members of the PNJK family, students, parents and media people.

The message of Rev. Fernandez tells us that the Philippines – Japan Monument tells us that   peculiarities are set aside and personal interests are relegated, all in the name of genuine harmony and accord. The contributions of Philippines and Japan to the community or to the world are the products of our glorious past. Our mutual relationship with the other members of the global vllage affords us the honor to live harmoniously with the entire human race.


Sep
16
2015

“Ireisai 2012”

By Admin

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REMEMBERING THEM

By: JOAN MAE SOCO-BANTAYAN,RUBEN B. PASCUA and THE DAILY MANILA SHIMBUN

“…it is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they…here have thus far so nobly advanced…”

–          Abraham Lincoln “Gettysburg Address”

It was on a clear and pleasant day of August 11, 2012 when the Administration, faculty, staff and employees of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan Philippine Volunteers’ Association, and Japanese Consular Office together with the Filipino-Japanese descendants from different chapters have trooped in exodus towards a common destination – The Japanese Cemetery at Mintal, Davao City for “Iresai” under a prominent acacia tree that shades the memorial obelisk built for Japanese who had lived during the glorious days of the Davao Kuo.

As a brief history, in the year 1903, Ohta Kyusaburo (Ota Kyozaburo) arrived in Davao and built in the area of Mintal large abaca plantations including the establishment of Mintal cemetery for fellow Japanese nationals. By 1939, the Japanese had established various enterprises all over Davao and the place was branded as Davo Kuo.

The World War II ripped almost everything that had been built and many Japanese individuals, including children from inter-marriages of Japanese and Bagobo, had no choice but to go hiding in the remote areas of Davao due to anti-Japanese sentiments that roused during the American rule.

The annual memorial service has once again united the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai family in honoring the dead individuals who have struggled and dedicated their lives for the realization of the desire of progress in this city.

The ceremony was organized by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. and The Consular Office of Japan in Davao and it was officiated by Reverend Bernardo N. Fernandez Sr. whose message to the attendees was to continue the work that these honored men have started and also strengthen the ties between Filipinos and Japanese.

The programme started by singing the hymn of faith and followed by an invocation led by Mrs. Adelaida S. Panaguiton. Flowers were offered by the different Filipino and Japanese organizations and Nikkei-Jin chapters. In 2009, Mintal was declared as Japanese heritage site by the local government. “The arrival of the Japanese in Mintal and the whole of Davao brought us wonderful history that is of great significance to its people. Now, after the world war, time has shown us how it heals the wounds of the past and makes us look forward to a brighter future.” As mentioned by Honorable Ramon S. Bargamento of Barangay Mintal in his message.

“I hope the breeze that blows in this acacia tree planted by our fathers, grandfathers, or great grandfathers will continue to welcome us in this place as we remember their lives…let us also express gratitude to those who established that bridge between Japan and Davao before the war, regardless of ethnicity and nationality.” These are the thoughts conveyed by Honorable Consul Kazuhiko Anzai of the Japanese Consular Office in his speech.

It is but fitting and proper to devote and dedicate a portion of our time for those who have done something for the betterment of our society and if ever there are unfinished works, the living should be the one to continue what they have started.

It was almost twelve noon when the memorial service ended and all attendees have left the place with a promise to live up the messages relayed by reverend Fernandez, Hon. Ramon Bargamento and Hon. Consul Kazuhiko Anzai.

To end, let us be reminded by this quote which I took from the Daily Bread “Life’s fleeting days will soon be over when death ends all that’s gone before; yet life in Christ continues still, for all who lived to do His will.”