EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES TOKYO, JAPAN         My warmest congratulations to the Philippines Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Inc. on the occasion of the 9th Nikkeijin convention on 28 January 2016 in Manila!          The year 2016 celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Philippines-Japan relations. Despite the shifts in our history, there can be no greater testimony to this deep and abiding friendship than the personal relationships forged between the Filipinos and the Japanese, particularly through the Japanese descendants who reside in the Philippines after the Second World War.         The theme of this year’s convention, “War-Displaced Japanese Descendants: Reunion of the Voices and the Journey Onward” not only recognizes the diversity of experience among the Filipino Nikkeijin but also their meaningful contribution to Philippine-Japan relations.         Mabuhay ang Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Rengokai!         Mabuhay kayong lahat! MANUEL M. LOPEZ Ambassador

EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN THE PHILIPPINES    I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants of the 9th National Convention of the Philippine Nikkei-jin Kai Rengokai, Inc., the umbrella organization of the Japanese descendants with 11 local chapters nationwide. At the same time, I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding leadership of your President, Mrs. Ines Mallari.         The Federation has been playing a pivotal role in reuniting and enriching the well-being of the Japanese descendants who were once displaced by World War II. Furthermore, the federation is now becoming an indispensable organization to uphold the mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines and their respective peoples.         In this context, I wish to state that this year is a very special year for us. This year, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our nations.         It is a great honor and pleasure that we can start this special year with a very important milestone which is the historical and memorable visit of their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the Philippines. I am sure that this will further enhance and strengthen the already cordial and… Read More »

It has been 12 years since Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC) was establish as a non-profit organization. Dedication and commitment to our mission made us stronger and very eager to continue what we have started since our humble beginnings in 2003. Our mission is to help the war-displaced Japanese descendants in the Philippines in restoring their identity and nationality. We embarked on our Shuseki project, a legal procedure to secure the Japanese nationality of the living 2nd generation who were born from a Japanese father and Filipino mother, and had experienced the suffering caused by the war.         With the expertise of Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai and his associates, the project became a reality. At present, there are 13 attorneys who are courageously facing the hardship of filing shuseki petition and striving to give possible results to the aging 2nd generations.         The Nippon Foundation became our formidable partner for our projects. Together, we aspire to give meaning and positive impact to the lives of Nikkei-jins and their community, especially to the 2nd generations. Every year, we assist homecoming tours. Indeed, there’s a type of happiness that money cannot buy: A sight of their Father’s country, and enjoying moments of… Read More »

KAGAWARAN NG UGNAYANG PANLABAS Department of Foreign Affairs   I convey my warmest felicitations to the Philippine Nikkei-jin Kai Rengokai, Inc. and our distinguished Filipino and Japanese participants and guests of the 9th Nikkei-jin Convention at the Diamond Hotel, Manila.         This year is a milestone year for Philippine-Japan relations marking the 60th Anniversary of the resumption of its diplomatic relations. At present, the relations of both countries are at their most dynamic and excellent levels. The visit of their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, this January further affirms and strengthens the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.         This convention helps showcase the remarkable developments achieve by the Philippine-Japan relations through the years, in the aftermath of the Second World War until the present-day globalized economy. We hope that it may also serve as a venue to discuss the future role of the next generation of Nikkeijins in deepening their role to helping bring our countries even closer.         I wish the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Inc. more success in its continuing efforts to contribute to the progress of Philippines-Japan relation in the spirit of close friendship and mutual cooperation.         Mabuhay!   ALBERT F…. Read More »

 THE NIPPON FOUNDATION         My heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in hosting the 9th Nikkei-jin Convention!         We, the Nippon Foundation, together with Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center, have been working to support the stateless-Nissei to restore their Japanese nationality. I am deeply grieved that many Nisei still remain affected by World War II, even though 70 years have since passed. We promise that we will keep our priorities clear and do our best to move forward as fast as possible. Our most recent step towards the solution took place in July 2015, when we met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to ask for urgent support, as well as made declarations to relevant ministries and agencies to urge for assistance in resolving this issue.         I believe that there will be challenges ahead for each Nikkei-jin Kai and the Rengokai; however, the Nippon Foundation, we will continue to assist you, the best that we can.         Once again, Congratulations on the holding of the Nikkei-jin Convention, and please accept my best wishes to all of you for the greatest success in your endeavors.                                    … Read More »