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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.” Romans 14:19
Members of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Family still couldn’t contain our excitement everytime we prepare and celebrate the annual Philippine – Japan Festival. The gathering of human resources from the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Incorporated, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Japan – Philippine Volunteers Association, Students, parents and members of the community has resulted to another jovial celebration where the meeting of two diversed cultures have once again cemented our friendship and unity as members of the Phillipine Nikkei Jin Kai Family.
The theme of this year’s Philippine –Japan Festival is “Strengthening the Historical Bonds through Reciprocal Sharing of Cultural Values.” Headed by the ever-competent school President, Judge Antonia B. Escovilla, the members of the RP-Japan working committee had dedicated much of their precious time in order to come up with a celebration that would somehow leave a remarkable impression from those who came here and joined in the celebration.
The celebration started with a medical mission organized by the PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostics personnel last October 2, 2012. The Kick-off Program last October 3, 2012 is the avenue where we could have a glimpse of the varied cultures that even Tourism Officer, Art Bungcato mentioned in his speech “It’s more fun in PNJK!” Truly it was a programme showcasing the traditional dances of Philippines and Indonesia, the “Taiko and Omikoshi” practice of the Japanese, and the Modern Hip-hop dances all presented synchronically and choreographed well by students, faculty and personnel of PNJK Family. One of the highlights during the kick-off program was the unveiling and blessing of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Monument situated at the main entrance of the PNJK Campus, and two other monuments inside the MKD compound. A fellowship lunch was held at the MKD skygym after the blessing of the monuments. Present during the kick-off program were Hon. Kazuhiko Anzai – Japanese Consul, Mr. Petrus Pati – Principal of Indonesian School, Mr. Art Bungcato- Tourism Officer of Davao City, Hon. Ramon Bargamento – Barangay Chairman of Mintal, Japanese friends and Visitors, members of the Board of Trustees of PNJKIS, friends from the media and other invited guests.
The programme in the afternoon of October 3, 2012 shifted to musical wherein pupils, students and employees displayed their singing prowess in the Nihongo and Filipino Singing Contest held at the PNJKIS gym.
October 4, 2012 was reserved for the Cultural Lessons in the morning wherein participants and attendees were given the opportunity to learn the cultures of both Philippines and Japan. The following cultural lessons were taught:
Ikebana
Japanese Dance (Tanko Boshi and Tokyo Ondo)
Handicraft
Origami
Philippine Food Cooking
Calligraphy
Laro ng Lahi
Chopsticks Lessons
Yukata Wearing
Eigasai
Cutting Paper
Tea Ceremony
There were dance competitions in the afternoon of October 4, 2012. A “Flea Market” was also organized at the PNJKIS Open field where there was selling of clothes and other items at a cheaper price. The grage sale ran from October 3 – 5, 2012.
The Nihongo Speech and Balak Contest was held in the morning of October 5, 2012 at the MKD sky gym, contestant vie among themselves who is the best in speaking the Japanese language and “Balak”. In the afternoon, there was the Karate demonstration and Sumo Wrestling competition that was followed by the Awarding ceremony held at the PNJKIS gym.
Pupils, students and members of the PNJK Family started to wear their Yukata and Happi during the awarding ceremony in anticipation for the “Bon Odori.” Those who have been attending the festival shared the same thrill and excitement with those who are first-timers, it is because the “Bon Odori” is one of the highlights of the Philippine – Japan festival. It is also during this program that we gained new friends and renew friendships from our former colleagues who took time to visit and celebrate with us every year.
“All is well that ends well.” We have ended the Philippine-Japan festival 2012 with a victory note as our pupils and students who represented PNJKIS in the Annual recorder Ensemble Competition brought home the bacon by winning first runner-up and champion in their respective categories.
According to the Head of Philippine – Japan festival 2012 Planning Committee, Judge Antonina B. Escovilla in her closing remarks, this year’s festival wouldn’t be that successful if not for those people who poured efforts and sweat it out for the success of the program. This is a clear indication that with our concerted efforts we would be able to overcome any obstacles, that our unity will always be the key to success, and if we continue to respect the culture of each other, then we would become a more progressive institution.
Congratulations to all members of the Philippine – Japan festival 2012 working committee and we would also like to extend our gratitude to the people who came and celebrated with us. Till we meet each other again.
As I can see many representatives and members from Japanese community, please allow me to speak in Japanese as well as in English.
First of all, I would like to thank all of you for having joined us in our Annual Memorial Service this morning. I cannot help but to feel humbled and solemn today as I look back together with you on the past and envisage the future.
It was more than a century ago when the relationship between Japan and Davao began. The earliest record of the arrival of Japanese settlers in Davao was in 1903. Davao, with its flourishing Abaka industry, eventually became the destination of many Japanese nationals as the land of hope for a brighter future.
Due to the dedication of these early Japanese settlers who worked hard together, they prospered and became successful. They also helped Davao achieve economic growth through their robust economic expansion at that time.
But the entry of Japan into the war in 1941 changed the entire situation. The people of the whole nation including those in Davao became witnesses to the most tragic episode in the history of Japan-Philippine relationship.
The relations of goodwill which had been created by the Japanese and local communities in Davao totally collapsed. The Philippines, however, became one of the first countries in Asia which warmly welcomed and received Japan’s renewed friendly policies after the war.
On this occasion, I would like to express, on behalf of the people of Japan, my deep gratitude to the people of the Philippines for the generosity, noble spirit of reconciliation and hospitality.
Under the most amicable bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines, we are here this morning to remember and honor our ancestors who have gone before us prior to the war.
I just would like to bring to your knowledge that around 80 Japanese people from the Okinawa Davao Friendship Society and the Association of Bereaved Families in Okinawa visited this cemetery on 28th July and, with the kind cooperation extended by PNJK, they held the memorial service and offered their prayers.
It was both humbling and inspiring to see a group of so many people coming here all the way from Okinawa and keeping up the tradition of remembering and honoring their departed ancestors.
As I stand here today, I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to co-organize this year’s Memorial Service to honor and express our respect to those forefathers who built the bridge of friendship and goodwill between Japan and Davao during the prewar period.
I hope we will continue to work together as friends and partners in overcoming the challenges ahead and in renewing our noble sense of mission of offering our prayers to the soul of our ancestors.
I have no doubt whatsoever that we will all be able to continue walking ahead together, like our forefathers before us, on the road towards further prosperity and success.
I would like to conclude this speech by expressing again my heartfelt appreciation to all the people who have attended this significant Memorial Service this morning.