Sunday, October 22, 2017, in the afternoon, one of the PNJK officials Ms. Elizabeth Tagud joined the 3rd International Nikkei Karaoke Festival a singing contest held prior to the start of the convention. It was the first time for the Philippines to join the contest and with no rehearsal and alone Ms. Tagud received a special award
for her rendition of Teresa Teng’s “Toki no Nagare” with much gusto.
The “58th Kai Gai Nikkei Jin Tai Kai” or the Convention of Nikkei and Japanese Abroad with the theme “Working together for Tokyo 2020!” was held on October 23–25, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan. The Davao delegation was headed by the Federation President Mallari, PNJK President Escovilla, PNJK Board members Ms. Apigo, Ms. Iwamoto, Ms. Tagud, and Ms. Kita while the Manila delegation by Nippi President
Buni, Nippi director Mr. Darauay, Mr. Garidan, and the Nakachi Family of Palawan. They were joined in Tokyo by JPIC President Tokumitsu and JPIC Coordinator Eve. A great number of participants came from the Philippines noting the presence of delegates from Davao and Manila Nippi Chapters.
In the evening of the same date the delegates had a Fellowship Dinner hosted by JPIC. The dinner even became special as Atty. Kawai, Atty. Mochizuki, Mr. Inomata, and Ms. Ishii graced the event. Everyone was excited when Atty. Kawai announced that he is going to produce a movie about the descendants, those who are still active and well might be asked to play cameo roles to showcase the travails encountered by the Nikkei jins. The movie will be titled “Forgotten by the Japanese.” The evening became even livelier when Ms. Tagud was requested to sing her winning piece and accompanied by Mr. Sekino. All left sporting a happy mood despite the heavy downpour.
October 23, 2017, was the official opening of the convention at Kensei Kinenkan. A Welcome Party was hosted by the Imperial Family and attended by no less than their Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.
October 24, 2017, was the International Symposium. The topics for panel discussion were: @ Collaboration with the Nikkei Communities through Sports @ Nikkei Business Collaboration and @ What does “2020” mean for the Nikkei Youth. Some delegates opted to join the Official Tour but everyone gathered in the evening to attend the Welcome Reception hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. The new minister H.E. Taro Kono gave an inspiring message. Afterwards the attendees were afforded with picture taking together with the good MOFA minister.
October 25, 2017, was the Announcement of the Conference Declaration. It was announced that the 59th Convention of Nikkei & Japanese Abroad will be held in Hawaii. It is also the 150th Anniversary of migration abroad. In commemoration of this, the 59th International Nikkei Competition will be held in Hawaii. “ALOHA.”
The Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai in coordination with the Philippine Nikkei Legal Support Center and the generous financial assistance from The Nippon foundation held its 10th National Convention on November 4, 2017, at Pan Pacific Manila.
High ranking Japanese officials showed their complete support to the activity of Rengokai as their presence was visible. An inspirational message was delivered by HE Ambassador Koji Haneda followed by the reading of the congratulatory message from Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation. The President of the Japan Industry Council Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu who flew all the way from Japan likewise congratulated the officials of the Rengokai for the successful gathering of almost all members from the different chapters to one venue for its annual convention and jointly celebrate the approval of 209 shuseki petitions. Around were Minister/Consul General Atsushi Kuwabara, Counselor/Chief Consul Toshio Kawauchi, and Executive Director Ichiro Kabasawa of The Nippon Foundation.
Part of the activity was a panel discussion facilitated by Atty. Joshua Zuniega with Panelists headed by Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai, PNLSC Chairman with his law associates and the rest of the PNLSC staffs based in Japan and in Manila. We likewise heard the short message delivered by Miss. Ikuko Okubo, Project Coordinator, International Program Team, Social Innovation Program Division of The Nippon Foundation.
In attendance were abled 2nd generations from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Most of those who came were beneficiaries of the shuseki petitions that generated favorable judgment. For those who could not make it by way of video presentation they took the effort of expressing their deep appreciation to Atty. Kawai for the legal assistance extended on top of the orientation rendered by their respective chapters that handled the documentation of the needed papers for submission to PNLSC. Two law associates of Atty. Kawai likewise attended the convention and they were Atty. Kenji Mochizuki and Atty. Shinji Hino.
On said occasion, the former JPIC President Hideo Ito found time in participating the activity of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai. It was a great sight to witness the active participation of the officials of the Manila Nippi Chapter with Mr. Stephen Quirico Buni at the helm by distributing door prizes to lucky Nisei numbering to more or less 100. The event was a great success. Kudos to our Rengokai President Mr. Ines P. Mallari as this convention would not have realized if the leader is not as effective and dynamic as exuded by her during her four year term.
The activities on said date were divided into three (3) parts to wit:
Davao Delegates during 9th National Convention
Part I
From 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 in the morning registration of participants started, followed by a break from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Five participants namely: Mr. Carlos Teraoka, his wife, Mrs. Ines P. Mallari with her husband, the Rengokai Secretary, Mr. Benedicto Onari and Mr. Lemuel Yoshimura with his wife were ushered to a van that will conduct them to Sofitel where a separate room has been designated for their group including Japanese businessmen in the Philippines chosen by the Embassy of Japan in Manila to have a brief dialogue with Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress. A bus was assigned to the Nisei or the 2nd generation to take them for Sofitel Hotel where they will meet their Majesties after the latter’s brief dialogue with the group of thirty-five. All Nisei were holding flaglets as their gesture of welcoming Their Majesties
Part II – Special Sessions: 10:00am to 12:00 Noon
A. Workshop Sessions for the rest of the attendees with the following topics: Citizenship and Immigration Matters concerning Filipino Nikkeijins facilitated by Mrs. Melissa Roales, President, Cotabato Nikkei Jin Kai chapter.
B. The Role and Future of Nikkeijins in the Society, 70th Year after the war, and 60th Year after the Restoration of the Bilateral Relations between Japan and Philippines facilitated by Mrs. Noelyn Fernandez, Board Member, PNJK Davao Chapter.
During lunch time there was an audio visual presentation about the history of Filipino Nikkeijin.
Part III – Program Proper
With the song amazing grace as a background, the invocation was led by Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, Rengokai Secretary and President, PNJK Davao Chapter.
Thereafter, the emcees – Ms. Eve Obuchi and Ms. Hitomi Kita introduced the guests and the presentation of delegates by chapter.
Mrs. Ines P. Mallari delivered her welcome address and followed by Dr. Shun Ohno’s talk about the Filipino Nikkeijin. He is currently a Professor of the Seisen University.
While Chairman of the Nippon Foundation Mr. Yohei Sasakawa was not in attendance, he however sent his congratulatory greetings read by our Emcees.
Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai the Chairman, Philippine Nikkeijin Legal Support Center updated us with the “shuseki” proceedings as well as extending his congratulatory greetings. According to the introduction, Atty. Kawai is not only a Noh dancer but a good singer as well and expert in bike riding. Atty. Kawai mentioned the proceedings with the Family Court of Domestic Relations with 165 petitions given favorable action while about 120 has not as yet been given due course. He is hoping that the Japanese government will be so kind in giving the recognition to those who are stateless.
Hon. Susumu Tsuda, First Secretary and Consul of the Embassy of Japan based in Manila delivered the keynote address in Nihongo and interpreted by Ms. Eve Obuchi.
An intermission number was rendered by a group of young descendants from Manila both in Nihongo and English.
His Excellency Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, took time in coming to Manila to deliver his congratulatory message. It was so kind of him to be with us during such big event despite his heavy schedule in Japan.
The organizing committee invited Atty. Ma. Laarni Rycelle M. Gabriana from the Bureau of Immigration to shed light on some concerns involving the descendants. She cited Commonwealth Act No. 613 otherwise known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. This is the same law which her office has been implementing as far as some of us are involved.
Mr. Yoshihiro Tokumitsu the President of the Japan Philippine Industry Council (JPIC) congratulated the Rengokai officers for a job well done. His group has been supporting the descendants and will continue to do so by reason of the bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines. A number of descendants have been deployed in Japan and some are performing well in their assigned tasks.
Ms. Melissa Roales presented the output of their workshop and these are the following:
Workshop Outputs
Citizenship and immigration concerns
Nisei – kosekis of many are still to be located; difficulty in producing documents to prove citizenship
– Urgency to reacquire Japanese citizenship because they are aging, average age is mid-70s;
Nisei – too old to start a new life in Japan; many who had reacquired citizenship opt to live in the Philippines but need permission to stay in the Philippines.
Sansei – for those whose Japanese (Nisei) parent has not yet been located and had passed away, they lose the chance of being recognized as Japanese descendants.
Sansei – those who have left for Japan, some are not socially ready thus are undergoing difficulty in adjusting to a new culture; not proficient in Japanese language
Sansei – for those who have returned to the Philippines there is a danger of losing Japanese permanent residency; they want to be mobile;
Yonsei – if Nisei is not upgraded, they lose the chance to live in Japan when they are over 18 years old.
Recommendation:
Request proper authorities to hasten recognition of Japanese descendants especially the aging Niseis
To request proper authorities to address Philippine residency status of Niseis granted with Japanese citizenship
Guidance on how to process documents for visa application after koseki is located
Orientation on the implications of having Japanese passport and chooses to live in the Philippines; and steps to get permission to stay in the Philippines;
Orientation to prepare NikkeiJins leaving for Japan regarding Japanese Culture as well as visa renewal. Re-entry permits, application for permanent residency.
OUTPUTS FROM THE GROUP OF MRS. NOELLYNE FERNANDEZ:
Continue tracing the family’s heritage, roots and bloodline for those who have not yet recognized their ascendants;
Offer assistance to other nikkeijins with their problems relative to documents with regard to the legal identity, help in processing the documents of those Nikkeijins who lost their family registry during the war;
For the younger generations, education and leadership trainings is of the essence;
Educate the next generation of Nikkeijins and change the mindset of the future Nikkeijins to venture into something that is productive and that is of long term most especially to our less fortunate Nikkeijins;
Acquire higher education and help the society through their skills and professions;
Preserve the good image of Japanese heritage and the positive likeness of a Nikkeijin;
Assist the elderly Nikkeijins especially with medical services;
Strengthen the relationship among Nikkeijin all over the Philippines and those who are in Japan;
For the Nikkeijins to satisfactorily perform their roles and responsibilities, support system and assistance is a great contributing factor.
OPEN FORUM:
There were questions raised but due to time constraint only three were entertained, to wit:
Consuelo Susumoto from Manila Nippi – holder of two passports – Japanese and Philippine Passport. Can she hold both? She was born in 1943. Atty. Sim Zuniega answered her that she has to choose which of the two nationalities she wants to retain because she is covered by the 1935 Philippine Constitution. Under the present law, there is no problem. But in her case she can only choose one. Atty. Locano likewise rendered his opinion.
Jose Tai from Manila Nippi – His question has something to do with certain fee when one applies for work as this was what Aida del Pilar told him. Mr. Buñi informed him that Ms. Del Pilar is not anymore with Manila Nippi. It would be best for him to see the office of Manila Nippi. Ms. Obuchi when he pressed on the expenses to be incurred if her daughter would work in Japan, informed him that the amount is not so big. It concerns merely payment of dues and a little amount for assistance to support the office. It is not that big as what the member is thinking.
Adelaida Morikawa from Panay Chapter—a second generation. She has a grandchild but she made it appear in her birth certificate as her own child because the father abandoned the mother including the child. The advice is to make the necessary correction as this is irregular and criminal in nature. If the document were to leave as is, the discovery later might be fatal because the Embassy of Japan is so strict when it comes to documentation of a particular birth.
After entertaining the questions above, Mr. Buñi was called to craft the convention’s declaration where he summarized the entire proceedings that took place during the duration of the program proper.
Thereafter, the Chairman of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, Atty. Emmanuel Q. Pacsi delivered his closing remarks.
Baguio “Abong Nikkei Jin Kai Delegation with MOFA Consul Katsutoshi Someda, PNLSC N. Inomata, I. Mallari, A. Escovilla, C. Apigo, A. Iwamoto, E. Obuchi.”
The 57th Convention of Nikkeijin and Japanese Abroad was another milestone for all of us, the Nikkeijins in the Philippines. Present during the said convention representing the Philippines were JPIC President Yoshihiro Tokumitsu with JPIC Coordinator Eve Obuchi, Rengokai President Ines P. Mallari, Rengokai Secretary and PNJK Davao City Chapter President Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, PNJK Davao Chapter Secretary Mrs. Carmen C. Apigo, PNJK Davao Chapter Treasurer Anita P. Iwamoto and six delegates from the Baguio Chapter.
Registration was allotted for the first day and the welcome party was hosted by the Imperial Family, giving the delegates the opportunity in meeting Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. Our Rengokai President with her group had the chance in shaking the hands of both the Prince and the Princess . A brief conversation between them and our President Mallari took place, where the latter conveyed the presence of Their Majesties in the Philippines in January of 2016.
R: MOFA Minister Fumio Kishida
The 2nd day of the convention Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kiyoshi Odawara of the Overseas Nikkei Communities for the Japanese Government gave the Keynote Speech followed by the presentation of reports from each delegate representing various countries like Panama, Peru, UK, Brazil, USA and Philippines among others. Our Rengokai President shared with the rest of the delegation the educational programs in the Philippines and showed slides of various activities conducted in the previous and the current years.
The Nikkeijins in the Philippines became the bridge in the bilateral relationship between the two countries Japan and Philippines. This will further enhance by the recognition and acknowledgement of the programs embarked by the Philippine Nikkei Jin Rengokai more so in the field of education where Japanese culture and Language are given much attention.
In the evening of the same day, all the participants were transported to the IIkura House of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a sumptuous dinner with the officers of MOFA headed by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida who was also scheduled to have another dinner engagement with no less than His Excellency the President of the Philippines Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Sunday, October 22, 2017, in the afternoon, one of the PNJK officials Ms. Elizabeth Tagud joined the 3rd International Nikkei Karaoke Festival a singing contest held prior to the start of the convention. It was the first time for the Philippines to join the contest and with no rehearsal and alone Ms. Tagud received a special award
Abroad with the theme “Working together for Tokyo 2020!” was held on October 23–25, 2017, in Tokyo, Japan. The Davao delegation was headed by the Federation President Mallari, PNJK President Escovilla, PNJK Board members Ms. Apigo, Ms. Iwamoto, Ms. Tagud, and Ms. Kita while the Manila delegation by Nippi President
In the evening of the same date the delegates had a Fellowship Dinner hosted by JPIC. The dinner even became special as Atty. Kawai, Atty. Mochizuki, Mr. Inomata, and Ms. Ishii graced the event. Everyone was excited when Atty. Kawai announced that he is going to produce a movie about the descendants, those who are still active and well might be asked to play cameo roles to showcase the travails encountered by the Nikkei jins. The movie will be titled “Forgotten by the Japanese.” The evening became even livelier when Ms. Tagud was requested to sing her winning piece and accompanied by Mr. Sekino. All left sporting a happy mood despite the heavy downpour.
October 23, 2017, was the official opening of the convention at Kensei Kinenkan. A Welcome Party was hosted by the Imperial Family and attended by no less than their Royal Highness Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko.
