The Iresai is annually observed by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc., together with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai-International School and the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, in remembrance of the endurance and industry of our forefathers who first came to reside in Davao. The event is considered to be one of the cornerstones of the organization, having been practiced by its members for more than three decades already.
This year, the Iresai was conducted on August 15, 2017. The Opening prayer was led by Ms. Ruelyn Bobiles, a PNJK-IS Board Member who has been with the school for more than two decades. The PNJK staff sang Amazing Grace and Furusato accompanied by. Mr. Shuji Honda playing his guitar and Mr. Takakazu Machida with his violin.
Among the notable guests were Hon. Tomoko Dodo of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao City, and the Hon. Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento, and his Barangay Councilors. A great number of Japanese residents and businessmen were in attendance as well.
Participants offered flowers as well as individual prayers to our deceased Japanese who passed away in the early days. These were Japanese migrants who came to the Philippines in the year 1904 till 1940, the same people who were the first agriculturists who introduced abaca industry as well as other prime commodities to the city. It was unfortunate that the war took everything away from those who should have enjoyed what their predecessors had introduced.
Each year we pay homage and respect to those buried in the sacred ground at Mintal Public Cemetery. We hold this activity because the early settles were responsible in bridging the gap between Japan and the Philippines which the young generation are desirous of further cementing the friendly relation.
Experience of a lifetime
Every job offers knowledge but the experiences of
being a Project Administrator is quite special. Dealing
with elderly people is challenging but rewarding, on
November 4, 2017, the PNLSC celebrated the 209
Approved Shuseki. Every P.A. and former PA are
grateful with their job because they help other people
to be recognized as Japanese Citizen. Even though
some cases are difficult, PA will do their best to get
a positive judgment, as looking for evidences is not
easy because all the documents during the war were
destroyed and witnesses are no longer around. Some
of the PA is tearful because of the experience of the
2nd gen that you can’t imagine that they overcome
all the hardships without their fathers. Even though
some descendants are already recognized they
are still longing for their father and to be with them.
Seeing them happy will make you feel blissful for the
very reason that you know you were able to help them
become Japanese Citizens.
We as PA will continue in the research and
fieldworks for our unrecognized descendants and
fulfill their dreams.
Ganbarimashou!!!
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!”
September 19, 2017, a team of officials from Okinawa Prefecture headed by Congressman Mikio Shimoji visited the PNJK Compound. More than a thousand students welcomed the arrival of the visiting group with the officials from the PNJK Family at the forefront. Mr. Shimjo was so pleased to see the group of students singing Small World and We Welcome You as they waved flaglets of the two countries, Japan and the Philippines. The Kapariz members showcased their impressive hand-mine presentation generating a round of applause from the visiting group.
After a brief program, the visitors left the gym and along the way, Mr. Shimoji shook hands with almost all of the students. From the gym the visiting team accompanied by PNJK Family officials proceeded to MKD building where they observed an ongoing Nihongo class under Prof. Hashimoto. Students took part in the recitation using the Japanese Language. The visitors were so surprised with what they heard—all students were so articulate in the Nihongo Language. Thereafter, an exchange of views
followed at MKD AVR where Mr. Shimoji laid down the very purpose of his visit including that of his party composed of businessmen who own construction companies and other big enterprises in Okinawa. There would be frequent communication in relation to the intention of forging an agreement or undertaking with PNJK Family in order to assist students and other interested persons willing to work in Japan.
With the conclusion of the meeting, the visitors left and proceeded to other places in Davao City. Other than the impressive performance of the students at PNJK Compound, the group was mesmerized with the beauty of the city, the peace and order condition and high rising buildings indicative of development and progress.
MKD President Ines P. Mallari and PNJK Inc. Davao City Chapter President were privileged to have been invited to the Farewell Party hosted in honor of HE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa whose term has expired on September 29, 2017. The reception was held at the Ambassador’s Residence at Forbes Park, Makati. Majority of the cabinet members of our new administration was present. As an organization, we are saddened by his departure, as Ambassador Ishikawa had accomplished so much for the good of the Category C descendants not only here in Davao City but through out the Philippines. It was he who insisted that the visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe here in Davao City should include MKD and PNJK Inc. Compound. We thanked him for such kind gesture as we were the only group, the association, the high school and college students, privileged and honored to see in person a very high ranking Japanese official and an honorable man.
On July 8, 2017, at Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu, Mr. Ben Onari, the First President of the Federation of the Philippine Nikkei Jin, Inc. was conferred the prestigious award “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette” by the Emperor of Japan. The conferment was done by HE Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa. Present during the ceremony were the family of the awardee Mr. Onari, officials and members of the Cebu Nikkei Chapter, local government officials in Cebu, the Consul in Cebu and from Manila. The incumbent President of the Federation Ines P. Mallari together with the PNJK Davao City Chapter attended the awarding ceremony upon invitation of HE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa. We congratulate Mr. Onari for such deserving award. Omedeto.