Jan
28
2016
By Admin

  Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai     It is with great pride and immense pleasure that I welcome you all to the 9th National Convention of the Filipino-Japanese Descendants. I am honored and privileged to be with everyone here today, uniting ourselves, and our voices as we recall the experiences and struggles of the Japanese descendants after the Second World War, and to likewise discuss the role and mission of the succeeding generation. We cannot deny the fact that this might be the last Convention of the Filipino Nikkei-jin that could be attended by many 2nd generation or the Niseis around the country, by reason of their advancing age.         As a Sansei or 3rd generation, who is at the helm of the Rengokai or the Federation of Nikkei Jin Kai in the Philippines, I have come to realize that I, and the rest of the officers and members of our organization, have a great responsibility to continue the legacy of our forefathers to contribute productively not only to the local community, but across the nation, and to the international society as well.         As a young president of an association that is national in scale, I believe that… Read More »

Jan
28
2016
By Admin

PNLSC PHILIPPINE NIKKEI JIN LEGAL SUPPORT CENTER (PNLSC)   Congratulations on the 9th National Convention of Filipino-Japanese Descendants. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relation between the Philippines and Japan. And this convention today, on the occasion of the visit of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the Philippines, might be the best timing to think deeply about the history and the past of the Nikkei-jin who has been carrying on their shoulders the history of both countries.         As a result of the World War II, a pitiful history of ours, the lives of Filipino, about one million and one hundred thousand were lost and the society of Japanese immigrants and descendants in the Philippines were destroyed at the same time.  Needless to say, the war-displaced Filipino-Japanese descendants were faced with hardship due to the anti-Japanese sentiment in the Philippines after the war.         During the conduct of the research project of PNLSC, I have seen with my own eyes how it is delighting and healing for the displaced Filipinos to be granted the Japanese Nationality by the Japanese government and to meet with their family in the later stage… Read More »

Jan
28
2016

“Filipino-Japanese Descendants: The History and the Travails”
By Admin

The Filipino-Japanese Descendants or Nikkeijin are the descendants of Japanese who immigrated from the end of 19th century until the end of WWII, and who were left in Philippines because of repatriation and/or losing their parents or Japanese father because of the Pacific war. At present the number of Nisei (2nd Generation) is 3,585, Sansei (3rd Generation) is about 30,000, and the 4th generation will be included, the total number is estimated to reach 120,000. Before WWII From 1903 to 1905, many Japanese immigrated in Benguet in the northern part of Luzon to engage in the construction work of the “Benguet Road” connecting Manila and Baguio.  After the completion of the construction work, many of the immigrants transferred to Mindanao, particularly Davao in order to work in the Abaca Plantations. They made the base of the new community called “The DAVAO Country”. They became the biggest producers of Abaca which was a very significant material for the rope at that time worldwide. The Japanese immigrants had increased in Davao because of the booming economy from the growing demands for abaca. They established their community by constructing various buildings like hospitals, schools, consular office, bazaars and other establishments needed for their… Read More »

Nov
30
2015

34th General Assembly Election and Araw ng Nikkei Jin By: Emiko Escovilla
By Admin

Last May 10, 2015 the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. held its 35th Araw ng Nikkei Jin at the PNJK-IS Gym with the theme “Achievement of the goals of the association through the concerted and sincere efforts of the members and valuable support from the Japanese Society”. It was a whole-day event where over two hundred Nikkei Jins from different chapters gathered to be apprised of the organization’s progress and achievement over the year 2014, as well as elect new members of the Board of Directors. The program was jumpstarted with an acknowledgment of the participants and a welcome message. Congratulatory messages from the Director of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao, Hon. Consul Tomoko Dodo; the former President of the Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association, Mr. Masataka Ajiro; the President of the Japan-Philippine Industry Council; and the President of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari. Afterwards, reports from the different institutions under the umbrella of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. were given by the competent officers responsible for each department. The reports covered the reading of last year’s minutes, the President’s report, as well as financial reports from the PNJK Inc., PNJK Polyclinic & Diagnostic Center, PNJK-IS Calinan, the Japan-Philippine Industry Council and the PNJK Cooperative…. Read More »