Four years ago, the Federation President Mallari together with PNJK President Escovilla and JPIC Coordinator Eve went to Japan for a courtesy visit to the different JPIC companies and to meet the nikkei jins sponsored by the companies.
One of the objectives of the meeting was to encourage the Nikkei jins to create a group in their locality to address their concerns and to make the Philippine Nikkei Jin Society in Japan solid and strong.
On May 31, 2017, one Nikkei jin group was successfully organized in Kagoshima, Japan. The group is named CHIRAN-CHO ENU CHICKEN NIKKEI JIN CLUB. The club has 31 members. The objective focuses on the following: to serve as the support system to its members especially during hard times, to help members to learn the Japanese language, understand and appreciate Japanese culture at the same time promote Filipino culture to the Japanese people and most specially to promote camaraderie among its members and company staff, administration and people of the community.
The officers took their Oath during the company’s festival on August 2017. Their activities are Nihongo Lesson every 2nd Sunday of the month and community service among others.
The club organized a Sport fest on November 26, 2017, and was participated by the Nikkei jins, Japanese and Vietnamese trainees. The activity was very successful. This year they are planning for a group tour in Kagoshima.
Kudos to Chiran–Cho Enu Chicken Nikkei Jin Club!!!!
Part 1 of this article quoted the saying of a wise man that goes this way—“Do not be afraid of changes but be sensitive to something changing.” But what if changes or things that changes, changed in a blink of an eye? how then to cope up with changes with composure and finesse? Indeed, the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2017 was a very busy time for Japan Philippine Industry Council with so many activities, programs, meetings to attend to, endless movement of Nikkei jins in Japan whether or not the outcome is good. On July 2, 2017, was the JPIC Convention held in Naha, Okinawa Japan. There were 15 members who attended the convention. Election of officers was held. The new officers for 2017–2019 are
as follows:
August 2, 2017, paid a courtesy visit to Consul and Counselor Toshio Kawauchi of the Japanese Embassy in Manila. The meeting was very cordial and fruitful as some important matters about Nikkei jins as well as Japanese living in the Philippines were discussed. On the same date, had a fellowship dinner with Federation President Mallari, PNJK President Escovilla, and PNJK staff at Café Tavera in Davao City.
On August 3–4, 2017, conducted a meeting with the 2017–2018 JPIC Scholars and parents at PNJKIS main campus and Calinan campus respectively. The scholars gave their “Thank You Cards” and prepared a program for Tokumitsu Shacho.
On August 4, 2017, met with the 4th generation Nikkei jins of Manila Central Luzon Nippi, Inc. Thereafter, had a meeting with Manila Nippi President Stephen Buni, Atty. Pacsi, and Mr. Darauay and Mr. Rogel Garidan and PNLSC staff Ms Marie and Ms. Emie.
Matters discussed were about Manila Nikkei jins concerns and problems and profile, reliability and stability of some JPIC members.
Tokumitsu kaichou assured Manila Nippi that all the JPIC members are of good moral and financial standing and all members are credible and sincere in their efforts to provide the Nikkei jins with good source of livelihood in Japan.
On August 22, 2017, another JPIC member Triumph Co., Ltd. President. Masaaki Hanzawa and Mr. Russell Rowe Montajes with Eve paid a courtesy visit to Consul and Counselor Toshio Kawauchi.
On October 11, 2017, JPIC members headed by Tokumitsu Kaicho, Hoshi Shacho, Sekino Kaicho, Komata Jyomu, Ohtsubo Shacho, Beulah San, Kanazume Kaicho, Yoshimoto San attended the 25th PNJK-IS Founding Anniversary. JPIC presented the school with monetary gift.
On October 22, 2017, was the JPIC Directors’ Meeting at PNLSC Yotsuya, Tokyo, Japan. Fellowship Dinner at Hokkaido Yotsuya Restaurant followed afterwards. In attendance were JPIC Tokumitsu Kaicho, Sekino Kaicho, Komata Jyoumu, Kawagishi Shacho and Eve, Atty. Kawai, Atty. Mochizuki, Mr. Inomata, Ms. Ishii, Rengokai President Mallari, PNJK President Ecovilla, Ms. Apigo, Ms. Tagud, Ms. Iwamoto, NIPPI President Buni, Mr. Darauay, Mr. Garidan.
October 23–25, 2017, attended the 58th Kai Gai Nikkei Tai Kai with PNJK-Davao and NIPPIManila delegates.
A Welcome Party was hosted by the Imperial Family and attended by no less than their Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.
In the evening of 24th was a dinner hosted by MOFA headed by the new Foreign Minister H.E Taro Kono.
November 4, 2017, Tokumitsu Kaicho, Ito Shacho and Eve attended the Philippine Nikkei jin Kai Rengokai, Inc. General Assembly at Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila followed by the PNLSC, Inc. Management Meeting.
Atty. Kawai proudly announced that PNLSC was able to achieve 209 approved shuseki within 5 years. Indeed, an achievement worthy of a grand celebration.
“おつかれさまです！”
Nov
30
2016
By Admin
Mano or Pagmamano is a gesture used in Filipino culture performed as a sign of respect to elders and as a way of accepting a blessing from the elder. Similar to hand-kissing, the person giving the greeting bows towards the offered hand of the elder and presses his or her forehead on the elder’s hand. Usually performed with the right hand, the person showing respect may ask “Mano po” to the elder in order to ask permission to initiate the gesture. Typically someone may mano to his or her older relatives upon entry into their home or upon seeing them.
The word “mano” is Spanish for “hand” while the word “po” is often used in Filipino culture and language at the end of each sentence as a sign of respect when addressing someone older. Put together, “mano po” literally translates to “your hand please” as the greeting initiates the gesture of touching the back of the hand of an elder lightly on one’s forehead. An identical tradition is followed in neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia called “salim” and “salam” respectively, suggesting that the Mano po tradition dates to precolonial times.
In today’s Philippine setting, the “mano” is still used by Filipinos as a sign of respect to their elders. It is usually done when the elder is seen for the first time in the day or upon entering a house or gathering. There is no age limit for the usage of the mano, but it is usually practiced on those older by two generations or more. Adults may occasionally bless people older than them though the mano practice is mainly done by the youth.
By offering your hand to “mano”, you are allowing yourself to be subservient to the elder to accept their blessing and wisdom. It is considered impolite if one does not exercise the custom of “pagmamano” when entering the home of an elder or after seeing them at a gathering.
The respect for elders stems from the high value of family in Filipino culture.
The “mano po” gesture is usually followed by a response of “God bless you” or “May the Lord have mercy on you” by the elder; the sign of the cross may be made over the recipient. The latter response of “May the Lord have mercy on you” is used when the pagmamano is performed with both hands to ask an elder’s pardon and forgiveness. With both hands, the younger person takes the elder’s hands and lifts them to the forehead to formally ask forgiveness for an offence. This may be done whilst kneeling and weeping. This is the highest form of the pagmamano.
Bowing is considered extremely important in Japan, Basic bows are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (boys and men) or clasped in the lap (girls and women), and with the eyes down. Bows originate at the waist. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotion and the respect expressed. Bows can be generally divided into three main types: informal, formal, and very formal. Informal bows are made at about a fifteen degree angle or just tilt over one’s head to the front, and more formal bows at about thirty degrees. Very formal bows are deeper.
The etiquette surrounding bowing, including the length and depth of bow, and the appropriate response, is exceedingly complex. For example, if the other person maintains his or her bow for longer than expected (generally about two or three seconds), it is polite to bow again, upon which one may receive another bow in return. This often leads to a long exchange of progressively lighter bows.
Generally speaking, an inferior bows longer, more deeply and more frequently than a superior. A superior addressing an inferior will generally only nod the head slightly, while some superiors may not bow at all and an inferior will bend forward slightly from the waist. Bows of apology tend to be deeper and last longer than other types of bow. They tend to occur with frequency during the apology, generally at about 45 degrees with the head lowered and lasting for at least the count of three, sometimes longer.
Bows of thanks follow the same pattern. In extreme cases a kneeling bow is performed; this bow is sometimes so deep that the forehead touches the floor. When dealing with non-Japanese people, many Japanese will shake hands. Since many non-Japanese are familiar with the custom of bowing, this often leads to a combined bow and handshake which can be quite complicated to execute. Bows may be combined with handshakes or performed before or after shaking hands.
Peace is the clamor of everyone all over the world. Conflicts within the same area and evenoutside the territorial domain of a particular region most often can be read in newsprint and social media. There is much to be addressed in order to contain these conflicts.
Peace-loving people continue to campaign for complete peace in every way possible but the most powerful weapon is prayer.
On April 01, 2015, at the Japanese Cemetery in Mintal, Davao, we witnessed a gathering of participants invoking and imploring from our Almighty peace not only in Davao but the whole of Mindanao.
The office of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. received a call from Mr. Nori Inomata, the Director General of the Philippine Nikkei Legal Support Center based in Japan that Rev. Minesaka Mitsue together with her group would be coming to offer prayer for peace. Arrangements for the conduct of such activity took place with the unselfish support of Captain Ramon Bargamento of Barangay Mintal. His office provided tent, chairs and sound system for the successful celebration of the prayer for peace.
During said occasion, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari, President of the Philippine Nikkeijin Rengokai delivered her welcome address, followed by the interreligious prayers from Christians, Muslim, Indigenous and Buddhist groups. Rev. Mitsue of the Rissho Kosei Kai gave an inspirational talk that was translated in the English Language by Kazuko Suenaga. Her talk was focused on the happiness of the people and peace of mind. Before the conclusion of the activity Mrs. Aiko Tanaka, a product of the early generation gave an account of her experience before, during and after the war. She could vividly recall those unforgettable events that resulted in the progress of Davao City, then named Little Tokyo. So much could be learned from her that her presence was specially requested by Mr. Inomata.
As a closing remark Mr. Tomo Matsui of the Mindanao Children Library was called to share his experience in adopting abandoned children. Those who offered prayers are under his care and would soon leave should lucrative opportunity come their way.
At noon time, the group transferred to PNJK-IS Calinan Branch where the teachers headed by the School Principal await our arrival. Songs and dances were presented to the delight of everyone.
The Cat. C 2nd generations prior to April 01, 2015 were advised to come and as soon as they converged at the school gym, Mr. Inomata advised them to extend their patience as presentation of evidence linking their lineage to their Japanese ascendants entail a lot of work. Moreover, more convincing evidence must be gathered and presented before the Family Court to obtain favorable judgment.
All left Calinan with smiles and contentment. The Rissho Kosei Kai group left with memories they would forever cherish while the descendants are hopeful that in due time they can set foot in the land of the rising sun.
We thank Mr. Inomata for facilitating the visit of the Rissho Kosei-Kai. Our heartfelt thanks to Rev. Minesaka Mitsue for giving us the drive to move forward in achieving peace and we thank Mrs. Tanaka for sharing her experience. Our profound thanks to Barangay Mintal under the leadership of Capt. Bargamento and to all who had contributed in the success of the holding of the event, the PNJK Staff, the PNJK-IS, Calinan Branch people with Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo as the head of the said entity. The Cat. C descendants who came and found time to be with us during that event, from the bottom of our heart thank you for your cooperation.
President, Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association
This time I would like to talk about my expectations from Nikkei Jin Kai.
First, I would like to tell you a little bit about the JPVA (Japan Philippine Volunteers Association)The Japan-Philippine Volunteers Association aims to look for problems/issues about both countries; Philippines and Japan and to look for ideas on how to reduce those issues/problems.I met the Japanese descendants (Nikkei Jin) way back in 1984, then created a school, from there, it continue to improve from elementary to High School until college.
In 1991, I created the Japan Philippine Volunteers Association together with the Japanese Descendants (Nikkei Jin), mainly for the education of poor children, problems about caregivers and to have tree planting activities on the mountains, collect Recorders in Japan, established recorder ensemble group and organized activities in schools in the mountains, to create a
Historical museum where the documents about the Davao history are accumulated and it’s a retained culture are preserved.
Our activities aim to make our partners (people) be independent, to give chance/opportunity to people. A nice isn’t it? That’s why, in order to pursue an activity to become independent, we have to let go of our hands from them (Nikkei Jin Kai). So, the Japanese School, Elementary School, Philippine-Japanese Historical Museum, Recorder Group and others are not by the Japan Philippine Volunteer Association, it is now handled by the Nikkei Jin Kai.
Recent Tendencies
The activities from Japan to Philippines were done in the 20th century. In the 21st century, the issues about Japan stand out than the issues in the Philippines. In Japan right now, ¼ of its population is composed of people aged 65 and above. There are many old people but the numbers of young people who will support them are few. There are insufficient shelters for old people who need care. This is the big problem of Japan.
In our office in Japan, we are receiving a lot of calls from elderly, asking if they can hire caregivers from the Philippines or if it is ok to live in the Philippines.
20 years ago, the problem was about the children in the Philippines, but now, the problem about the elderly is increasing.
From there, there are things I want to propose to the Nikkei Jin Kai, I hope that Nikkei Jin Kai will help the old people in Japan. I wish that helping them will be the first in line of their activities.
The idea is there but, we hope to have a Japanese language specialization at MKD or to have any kind of specialization to rear more skilled young people who could go to Japan. If it is possible, they will not go to Japan to get hired and work but they will go there to help Japan. We, together with the Nikkei Jin Kai want to create a (group of Young People from Overseas) and then, we want to inform the government of Japan about it for public information.
I want to create a group of skilled people to come to Japan among MKD graduates. The MKD will be the bridge towards strong ties between Japan and Philippines. I want MKD to be that kind of institution.
You also need to start a campaign for building Japanese nursing home for Japanese elderly. In cooperation with municipal government in Japan, you start the campaign for building a resort for Japanese elderly. Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo R. Duterte likes the idea of this campaign very much and he told that he would lend land as much as possible. People who are interested in this idea will visit Japan soon. I am scheduled to engage shortly in building a small nursing home in dormitory of Japan Philippines Volunteer Association.
Another thing which I suggest is to ask all parties concerned to have direct flights from Japan to Davao in cooperation with Hello World. I have already discussed about this matter with person concerned.
There are many other things which Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc., MKD and we can do for the Philippines and Japan.Let us all work together and make Davao City famous for its safety and easy access from Japan, “The City of Healing Power”.
Davao and Japan will start making a new history. The monument in Mintal was built to commemorate this. Mayor of Davao City, Hon. Rodrigo R. Duterte built this monument for the new relationship for the Philippines and Japan. Unveiling ceremony is scheduled on October 7, 2013 from two o’clock in the afternoon. I hope you all could come to witness it.
I have a message for Japanese Descendants. Let’s start new activities together with us. You, members of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. in Davao are the bridge of Philippines and Japan.
I hope that next year we will have a direct flight from Narita to Davao and lots of Visitors from Japan will join Philippine Japan Festival. I don’t have much time left, however I will continue to support Davao and Japan to be able to have a good relationship in many ways as long as I live.
Four years ago, the Federation President Mallari together with PNJK President Escovilla and JPIC Coordinator Eve went to Japan for a courtesy visit to the different JPIC companies and to meet the nikkei jins sponsored by the companies.
on the following: to serve as the support system to its members especially during hard times, to help members to learn the Japanese language, understand and appreciate Japanese culture at the same time promote Filipino culture to the Japanese people and most specially to promote camaraderie among its members and company staff, administration and people of the community.
