Dec
20
2017

IRESAI 2017

By Admin

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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.

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Dec
20
2017

Philippine-Japan Festival

By Admin

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Philippine-Japan festival is an annual activity participated in by the PNJK family composed of the mother association, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc., the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai – International School, the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center and the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Multipurpose Cooperative. The Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School Calinan Branch likewise joined the festival by a dance presentation rendered by the teachers in Calinan School.

Considering that PNJK-International School is on its 25th Founding Anniversary we witnessed the most elegant and luxurious gala night where all attendees were in their best form wearing bright, glittering and attractive gowns drawing oohs and wows from the audience.

Teaching and non-teaching staffs including members of the Board of Trustees were recipients of service awards. Those who attended as well became recipients of reasonable and fairsubsidy as the school management felt that all who had contributed their talents and helped lift the good image of the institution deserved to be compensated.

The celebration was a success. Majority of our partners from Japan came just to witness this celebration. JPIC group headed by its President Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu was around.

Government officials found the time to be with us during the kick-off program and everyone enjoyed the various cultural presentations giving justice to this year’s theme: Philippine Japan Festival 2017: A celebration of History, Cultural Heritage and Friendship. Congratulations to all PNJK Family and to PNJK-IS as celebrating a founding anniversary with grandeur is priceless.

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Jun
30
2017

37th General Assembly by: Evelyn Obuchi

By Admin

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          As the Filipinos fondly regard May as “Flores de Mayo” and celebrate” Santa Cruzan” with beautiful Reyna Elenas’ parading the barangay streets , the Philippine Nikkei Jin from Davao, neighboring cities and provinces celebrate their annual reunion. PNJK conducts its General Assembly every 2nd Sunday of May. On May 14, 2017 at 9:30 in the morning, about one hundred twenty one (121) Nikkei Jin from Chapters of Tagum, Davao, Toril, Calinan, Digos and Kidapawan gathered at PNJK-IS gym to attend the 37th Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai,
Inc. General Assembly.

This year’s theme is: “Nikkei Jin Padayon sa Pag-uswag” whichmeans continuous progress.

The assembly commenced at 9:30 am with the Masters of Ceremony Mr. Felipe Hiquial opening the program proper followed by a prayer led by Ms. Adelaida Panagution offering moment of silence and prayers for the departed souls of the pillars of the association like the late Uchida Otousan, Rev. Fernandez,Gloria Okazono . The 1st Vice President Rodrigo Suemitsu acknowledged the participants and welcomed by Ms. Ines Mallari the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ms. Mallari welcomed and thanked the members and supporters of PNJK.

Business Proper followed afterwards with Ms. Carmen Apigoreading the last year’s minutes of the meeting. Among the important agenda last year were the meeting of the 2nd generation Philippine Nikkei Jin with their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, 9th National Convention of Philippine Nikkei Jin and Shin Nikkei Jin as members of the association.

The President, Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla reported on the PNJK, Inc. accomplishments. The consolidated report zeroed in on the different activities and accomplishments of the association like the interview of Cat. C Nikkei jin: Marumoto , Arakaki, Yoshimura, Nagata and Takumi families by MOFA headed by Consul Susumu Tsuda on May 23, 2016. The Testimonial/Memorial Service of the late Tatsuo Uchida on July 7, 2016. On August 13, 2016 celebrated Ireisai with Consul Ono. Human Relationship Seminar conducted by a Mr. Kazuaki Ishibashi a lecturer from Japan Creative Education Institute, Osaka on October 10, 2016 and from the 23rd to 27th day of the same month, Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla, Ms. Ines Mallari, Ms. Carmen Apigo and Ms. Anita Iwamoto attended the 57th Convention of Nikkei Jin and Japanese Abroad. The Rengokai President Ines Mallari reported on the educational program of PNJK-IS. The participants of the convention had the privileged of meeting their Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu was also in attendance. On November 11, 2016 the participants of the Rengokai General Assembly were invited by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa for a dinner at his official residence in Makati City.
The opening salvo and most memorable event for 2017 was the visit of HE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Madam Akie of Japan at PNJK Compound on January 13, 2017.

PNJK-IS Calinan Campus is already on its 10th year of operation. The school’s future plan is to construct another building in addition to its already existing 10 buildings.
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Padayon sa Pag-uswag

 

PNJK-DSC_0406IS Main Campus and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku total number of students was 1,345 students and the total no. of graduates- 83 students. The most important accomplishment was the PAASCU LEVEL II Accreditation.

PNJK Multi- Purpose Cooperative has as total regular members of 1,193 for 2016 as compared to 2015 with only 1,084 members. Services offered by the Coop are Lending; LAMP (Loan Assistance to Members Program); Rice Trading; E-Load and Beauty Salon.

PNJK Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center: new equipment purchased was the Hematology machine. Laboratory services are: CBC, Blood Chem, Hepa test, drug testing, ECG, X-ray and Ultrasound.

Treasurer’s Consolidated Report succeeded the President’s Report. Ms. Anita Iwamoto reported first the PNJK, Inc. Financial Report followed by the PNJK-IS and Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and lastly, the Multi- Purpose Cooperative Financial Report.

The JPIC Coordinator Ms. Eve Obuchi read the JPIC President’s message in behalf of Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu. He congratulated PNJK on its 37th General Assembly and advised the members to remain loyal and supportive to the activities of PNJK as well as to choose the leaders wisely.

Ms. Eve reported on the JPIC up-dates: JPIC has 27 active members; JPIC will hold its election of officers on July 2, 2017; JPIC will continue to support PNLSC, Federation of Nikkei Jin Kai (Rengokai), Phils., PNJK, Nippi, Iloilo/Panay Nikkei jin Kai , Zamboanga Nikkei Jin Kai and JPIC Scholarship Grant.

After all the reports were delivered a Group picture was taken of all the Nisei. No election took place as there were only 11candidates present. The 11 candidates were unanimously declared PNJK officers for 2017- 2019.

The PNJK 2017-2019 PNJK officers are:

Ms. Ines Mallari
Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla
Mr. Rodrigo Suemitsu
Mr. Juseven Austero
Ms. Carmen Apigo
Ms. Anita Iwamoto
Ms. Elizabeth Tagud
Mr. Felipe Hiquial
Ms. Noellyn Fernandez
Ms. Ellen Ocharon
Mrs. Adelaida Panaguiton

Community Singing of Furusato followed by Sekai Wa Semai and a fellowship lunch ended the 37th General Assembly.

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Nov
30
2016

“36th PNJK General Assembly”

By Admin

Nikkei – jin meeting with Their Majesties:
A great reason for jubilation, vigor and renewed strength.
   by: Evelyn Obuchi

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On May15, 2016 at 9:00 in the morning, more than a hundred of Nikkei- jins from Chapters of Tagum, Davao, Toril, Calinan, Digos   and Kidapawan gathered at PNJK-IS gym to attend the 36th Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. General Assembly.

This year’s theme isNikkei – jin Meeting  with Their Majesties: A great reason for jubilation, vigor and renewed strength. A theme inspired by the meeting of selected 2nd generation Japanese descended Filipinos from all over the Philippines with their Royal Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in January 28, 2016 in Manila.

The 2nd generation Nikkei-jins were so over joyed and totally overwhelmed with the encounter that with teary eyes they said “Our father came back home”.  With newly acquired vigor and renewed strength the Nikkei-jins are expected to be more united in their continued journey towards identity recognition for a progressive and brighter future.

The assembly commenced at 9:30 am with the Masters of Ceremonies Mr. Felipe Hiquial and Ms. Noellyne Fernandez opening the program proper followed by a prayer led by Ms. Adelaida Panagution. The 1st Vice President Rodrigo Suemitsu acknowledged the participants and welcomed by Ms. Elizabeth Tagud in behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Directors Ms. Ines Mallari who was not able to attend the affair because she has to go to Japan together with the President Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla.

Ms. Evelyn Obuchi read the letter of President Escovilla welcoming and thanking the members and supporters of PNJK. PNJK President Escovilla likewise apologized for not being around because together with the Chairman she has to attend the necrological service in Japan of one of the ardent  sponsors and supporters of PNJK  – the late Mr. Tatsuo Uchida fondly  called by people close to him as “otoosan”.
The President’s consolidated report zeroed in on the different activities and accomplishments of the association starting May 10, 2015 wherein the “Araw ng Nikkei jin” was successfully celebrated.  July 2015 was a very important month because the Rengokai President Ines Mallari together with the PNJK President Ret. Judge Escovilla and Nisei from Cebu, Baguio and Manila left for Japan to meet with no less than the Prime Minister of Japan Hon. Shinzo Abe , Japanese Senators and Representatives of Diet.  On August 15, 2015 Ireisai was held in Calinan in coordination with the Consulate Office of Japan in Davao. October was a very busy month beginning with the celebration of Phil-RP Japan Festival on October 5-8. Chosen Cat. C Nikkei –jin members took part in the Home-coming tour in Japan. Third week of the same month PNJK President, Ret. Judge Escovilla, the Rengokai President Ms. Ines Mallari, Ms. Elizabeth Tagud and Ms. Carmen Apigo attended the Kai Gai Nikkei Jin Tai Kai on October 26-28 in Tokyo, Japan.

Business Proper followed afterwards with Ms. Carmen Apigo reading the last year’s minutes of the meeting and the President’s Report in behalf of Ret. Judge Antonina Escovilla.

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Sep
14
2015

“34th General Assembly Held May 11, 2014” By: Emiko Escovilla

By Admin

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Last May 11, 2014 the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Inc. held its 34th Annual General Assembly at the PNJK-IS Gym with the theme “Cooperation and f
ull support from members geared towards the solidification of the Nikkei Community”. It was a half-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 2013.

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.

After the reports, a plenary session was held wherein the attendees were allowed to air their concerns or inquiries. Several clarifications regarding the Mortuary Aid Program were made, leading to a vote on the motion of one of the attendees that spouses of Nikkei Jins, even if without Japanese blood, be allowed to participate in the said program. The motion was passed unanimously by the attendees.

The event was also graced by Masataka Ajiro, one of the institution’s foremost benefactors. He delivered a short message at the beginning of the program, laying out his expectations for the organization in the following years.

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