January 13, 2017 at the Mintal Public Cemetery of Mintal during the visit of Madam Akie Abe and Ms. Honeylet Avanceña, with the two First Ladies of Japan and the Philippines respectively are Bishop Masataka Ajiro, Brgy. Captain Ramon Bargamento and PNJK President Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla.
The activities on said date were divided into three (3) parts to wit:
Davao Delegates during 9th National Convention
Part I
From 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 in the morning registration of participants started, followed by a break from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Five participants namely: Mr. Carlos Teraoka, his wife, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari with her husband, the Rengokai Secretary, Mr. Benedicto Onari and Mr. Lemuel Yoshimura with his wife were ushered to a van that will conduct them to Sofitel where a separate room has been designated for their group including Japanese businessmen in the Philippines chosen by the Embassy of Japan in Manila to have a brief dialogue with Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress. A bus was assigned to the Nisei or the 2nd generation to take them for Sofitel Hotel where they will meet their Majesties after the latter’s brief dialogue with the group of thirty-five. All Nisei were holding flaglets as their gesture of welcoming Their Majesties
Part II – Special Sessions: 10:00am to 12:00 Noon
A. Workshop Sessions for the rest of the attendees with the following topics: Citizenship and Immigration Matters concerning Filipino Nikkeijins facilitated by Mrs. Melissa Roales, President, Cotabato Nikkei Jin Kai chapter.
B. The Role and Future of Nikkeijins in the Society, 70th Year after the war, and 60th Year after the Restoration of the Bilateral Relations between Japan and Philippines facilitated by Mrs. Noelyn Fernandez, Board Member, PNJK Davao Chapter.
During lunch time there was an audio visual presentation about the history of Filipino Nikkeijin.
Part III – Program Proper
With the song amazing grace as a background, the invocation was led by Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, Rengokai Secretary and President, PNJK Davao Chapter.
Thereafter, the emcees – Ms. Eve Obuchi and Ms. Hitomi Kita introduced the guests and the presentation of delegates by chapter.
Mrs. Ines P. Mallari delivered her welcome address and followed by Dr. Shun Ohno’s talk about the Filipino Nikkeijin. He is currently a Professor of the Seisen University.
While Chairman of the Nippon Foundation Mr. Yohei Sasakawa was not in attendance, he however sent his congratulatory greetings read by our Emcees.
Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai the Chairman, Philippine Nikkeijin Legal Support Center updated us with the “shuseki” proceedings as well as extending his congratulatory greetings. According to the introduction, Atty. Kawai is not only a Noh dancer but a good singer as well and expert in bike riding. Atty. Kawai mentioned the proceedings with the Family Court of Domestic Relations with 165 petitions given favorable action while about 120 has not as yet been given due course. He is hoping that the Japanese government will be so kind in giving the recognition to those who are stateless.
Hon. Susumu Tsuda, First Secretary and Consul of the Embassy of Japan based in Manila delivered the keynote address in Nihongo and interpreted by Ms. Eve Obuchi.
An intermission number was rendered by a group of young descendants from Manila both in Nihongo and English.
His Excellency Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, took time in coming to Manila to deliver his congratulatory message. It was so kind of him to be with us during such big event despite his heavy schedule in Japan.
The organizing committee invited Atty. Ma. Laarni Rycelle M. Gabriana from the Bureau of Immigration to shed light on some concerns involving the descendants. She cited Commonwealth Act No. 613 otherwise known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. This is the same law which her office has been implementing as far as some of us are involved.
Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu the President of the Japan Philippine Industry Council (JPIC) congratulated the Rengokai officers for a job well done. His group has been supporting the descendants and will continue to do so by reason of the bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines. A number of descendants have been deployed in Japan and some are performing well in their assigned tasks.
Ms. Melissa Roales presented the output of their workshop and these are the following:
Workshop Outputs
Citizenship and immigration concerns
Nisei – kosekis of many are still to be located; difficulty in producing documents to prove citizenship
– Urgency to reacquire Japanese citizenship because they are aging, average age is mid-70s;
Nisei – too old to start a new life in Japan; many who had reacquired citizenship opt to live in the Philippines but need permission to stay in the Philippines.
Sansei – for those whose Japanese (Nisei) parent has not yet been located and had passed away, they lose the chance of being recognized as Japanese descendants.
Sansei – those who have left for Japan, some are not socially ready thus are undergoing difficulty in adjusting to a new culture; not proficient in Japanese language
Sansei – for those who have returned to the Philippines there is a danger of losing Japanese permanent residency; they want to be mobile;
Yonsei – if Nisei is not upgraded, they lose the chance to live in Japan when they are over 18 years old.
Recommendation:
Request proper authorities to hasten recognition of Japanese descendants especially the aging Niseis
To request proper authorities to address Philippine residency status of Niseis granted with Japanese citizenship
Guidance on how to process documents for visa application after koseki is located
Orientation on the implications of having Japanese passport and chooses to live in the Philippines; and steps to get permission to stay in the Philippines;
Orientation to prepare NikkeiJins leaving for Japan regarding Japanese Culture as well as visa renewal. Re-entry permits, application for permanent residency.
OUTPUTS FROM THE GROUP OF MRS. NOELLYNE FERNANDEZ:
Continue tracing the family’s heritage, roots and bloodline for those who have not yet recognized their ascendants;
Offer assistance to other nikkeijins with their problems relative to documents with regard to the legal identity, help in processing the documents of those Nikkeijins who lost their family registry during the war;
For the younger generations, education and leadership trainings is of the essence;
Educate the next generation of Nikkeijins and change the mindset of the future Nikkeijins to venture into something that is productive and that is of long term most especially to our less fortunate Nikkeijins;
Acquire higher education and help the society through their skills and professions;
Preserve the good image of Japanese heritage and the positive likeness of a Nikkeijin;
Assist the elderly Nikkeijins especially with medical services;
Strengthen the relationship among Nikkeijin all over the Philippines and those who are in Japan;
For the Nikkeijins to satisfactorily perform their roles and responsibilities, support system and assistance is a great contributing factor.
OPEN FORUM:
There were questions raised but due to time constraint only three were entertained, to wit:
Consuelo Susumoto from Manila Nippi – holder of two passports – Japanese and Philippine Passport. Can she hold both? She was born in 1943. Atty. Sim Zuniega answered her that she has to choose which of the two nationalities she wants to retain because she is covered by the 1935 Philippine Constitution. Under the present law, there is no problem. But in her case she can only choose one. Atty. Locano likewise rendered his opinion.
Jose Tai from Manila Nippi – His question has something to do with certain fee when one applies for work as this was what Aida del Pilar told him. Mr. Buñi informed him that Ms. Del Pilar is not anymore with Manila Nippi. It would be best for him to see the office of Manila Nippi. Ms. Obuchi when he pressed on the expenses to be incurred if her daughter would work in Japan, informed him that the amount is not so big. It concerns merely payment of dues and a little amount for assistance to support the office. It is not that big as what the member is thinking.
Adelaida Morikawa from Panay Chapter—a second generation. She has a grandchild but she made it appear in her birth certificate as her own child because the father abandoned the mother including the child. The advice is to make the necessary correction as this is irregular and criminal in nature. If the document were to leave as is, the discovery later might be fatal because the Embassy of Japan is so strict when it comes to documentation of a particular birth.
After entertaining the questions above, Mr. Buñi was called to craft the convention’s declaration where he summarized the entire proceedings that took place during the duration of the program proper.
Thereafter, the Chairman of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Atty. Emmanuel Q. Pacsi delivered his closing remarks.
Seminar on Human Relationship was held on October 10, 2016 at the MKD AVR room from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The guest speaker is a lecturer from Japan Creative Education Institute Mr. Kazuaki Ishibashi .
The said seminar was sponsored by JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu and co-sponsored by PNJK.
The purpose of the seminar is to develop stronger relationship with each other and to stress the importance of continuous learning no matter what our station in life is. JPIC President Tokumitsu believes that this seminar would enhance good relationship between PNJK and JPIC.
Among the topic discussed were: A. How to enjoy work and be successful in Japan. Many agreed that to enjoy work and be successful in Japan one must undergo orientation on the assigned job and workplace, learn the language, respect the culture and tradition of Japan and lastly, be mentally and physically fit. B. Romantic Feelings (koi) and Loving feeling (ai). Romantic Feelings is the first feeling of attraction and admiration while Loving feeling is nurtured and needs effort, it’s a deep feeling.
In order for us to be happy we need :
To be loved
To be recognized
To be needed
C. Trust (Shinyou) and Trustworthy (Shinrai). Trust (Shinyou ) is established by producing good results, doing your work properly, setting good example , keeping promises, following rules and regulation, etc. while (Shinrai) is an accumulation of Shinyou.
D. Sense of gratitude This way of thinking is fundamental and basic. Human beings can not live by their own power and effort alone. We are alive with the help of many people around us… Therefore it is very important to be grateful on everything like expressing our gratitude to people that support us in our work, or even to the littlest of favor we received. Some people do not express gratitude because they feel its just normal or natural to receive such favor or support. E. Feeling of Appreciation
F. Honesty
Six Elements of Honesty:
Honest people keep promises and rules properly
Honest people do not deceive people
Honest people relate or treat everyone equally
Honest people do not manipulate or use others
Honest people do not use tactics to deceive
Honest people cherish others like himself
G. Human Growth
Skill or ability
Humanity
The seminar was dynamic and interactive as there was group sharing every after topic discussed most importantly, knowledge we acquired must be applied and practiced in our daily life……
My recent trip was tough and exhausting but fulfilling. We traveled to many places like Jose Abad Santos, Sta. Cruz, Baganga, and other areas where the descendants live, two to six hours drive from Davao City. We could see the difficulties of the Nisei’s life while proving they are Japanese children. Most of their witnesses were all gone but in their hearts and soul, they are already Japanese. Then, we visited Cat C 2nd gen, Antonia Akamatsu, 79 years old, daughter of a Japanese soldier, Sadaaki Akamatsu. Whenever she sees Japanese, she remembers her father and she will sing “Maglakaw nako padulong sa langit… “ (I will go to Heaven…). She is waiting for her father and her sister to return to the Philippines and bring her with them. Just like the other descendant, their case is difficult because of lack of witnesses and papers to show as proof but only good memories to say.
Accomplisments:
2016 Approved Shuseki are the following members;
Felicitas Toyoda, Nicanor Fujikawa, Victorio Itou, Francisco Asajiro Okamoto
Candidate for Shuseki Application are the following members;
2016 is a very fruitful year for Japan Philippine Industry Council by opening the year with an invitation from Philippine Nikkei Jin Rengokai (Federation) to attend the 2016 NATIONAL CONVENTION of the FILIPINO-JAPANESE DESCENDANTS on January 28, 2016 with the Theme: “War-displaced Japanese Descendants: Reunion of the Voices and the Journey Onward” and a very rare royal visit to the Philippines by their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
February 27, 2016 was the JPIC Rinji Soukai and Bunka Kai in Lipa City, Batangas. The said meeting was attended by 12 members.
On March 2, 2016, JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu with Sensei Taniguchi of KLS Language School in Kagoshima paid a courtesy visit to President Ines Mallari of MKD to discuss the possibility of extending scholarship and accepting MKD students at KLS to study Nihongo.
In April – yearly schedule of the JPIC Liaison Officer to visit the different JPIC member companies with the objectives:
Meet with the JPIC companies’ Presidents / Nikkei Jin Person In-Charge and descendants
discuss about the descendants condition, situation, problems and concerns in the said company.
Get-Together lunch/dinner
On May 17, 2016 one of the members of JPIC Mr. Masaaki Hanzawa President of Triumph Co., Ltd. with Mr. Russell Rowe Montajes and JPIC Liaison Officer had a courtesy visit to Consul Susumu Tsuda – Counsellor/Chief Consul of the Japanese Embassy. The meeting was cordial.
July was indeed a very busy month for JPIC as there were several activities and meetings lined-up:
July 8 JPIC Directors’ Meeting in Yotsuya City, Tokyo. One of the agenda was to revise some regulations in the JPIC Constitution and changes in the membership fee and annual dues of the members to be able to continue supporting different Nikkei jin Kais and other programs of JPIC.
July 22 JPIC President Tokumitsu and the JPIC Liaison Officer had a courtesy visit to the Counsellor/ Chief Consul of Japanese Embassy Susumu Tsuda. The visit was successful as several matters concerning the Philippine Nikkei Jins were discussed.
July 26 JPIC President Tokumitsu met with the JPIC Scholars and their parents for a short meeting and get-together. The JPIC Scholars prepared a hand-made “Thank You Card” and personally handed the same to President Tokumitsu.
On October 7, 2016 was the JPIC Soukai in Manila City and Information Exchange Meeting with PNJK Board of Directors on October 8, 2016 in Davao City.
October 10, 2016 was the Human Relationship Seminar sponsored by JPIC President Tokumitsu with PNJK as co-sponsor. The guest speaker is a lecturer from Japan Creative Education Institute Mr. Kazuaki Ishibashi. The purpose of the seminar is to develop stronger relationship with each other and to stress the importance of continuous learning no matter what our station in society.
JPIC also attended the 57th Kai Gai Nikkei Jin Tai Kai in Tokyo on October 24-26, 2016 together with PNJK President Antonina Escovilla, Rengokai President Ines Mallari PNJK Board of Director Apigo and Director Iwamoto.
PNJK President Escovilla and Rengokai President Mallari with JPIC Liaison Officer were invited to Kagoshima to visit Enu Chicken the company of JPIC President Tokumitsu on October 27-29, 2016. It was an opportunity for the descendants at Enu Chicken to listen to the messages and advices of the PNJK President and Rengokai President. Indeed a rare bonding opportunity for the descendants and officers.
JPIC ended 2016 with a prestigious dinner invitation received from the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Ambassador Ishikawa through the courtesy of Philippine Nikkei Jin Rengokai President Ines Mallari.