Tag: Japanese

Dec
20
2017

58th Convention
By Admin

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 8Sunday, 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 Japanese9 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.
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12In 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.

13October 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.”

Jul
30
2017

An Evening of OMIKOSHI @ Rizal Park
By Admin

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        On the 3rd day of March 2017, at the Rizal Park, Davao City, PNJK-IS and MKD students presented Japanese Cultural number during the Pasundayag Night in time for the celebration of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw.

           Watching the presentation, according to one who witnessed the show made her feel like she was back to Japan. Students wore colorful yukata walking in front of the audience just like any model that you see sporting various attire with colorful designs. There were students in cosplay costume doing a dance number.

            The crowd likewise witnessed students dancing the Yosakoi- Solan that symbolizes the method or way of catching fish. The moves were synchronized that you can never believe that they practiced the steps on a limited time as it was difficult to choose who among the students could participate on the opening day of the Araw ng Dabaw.

Yet, they performed well and the steps were well executed.

         PNJK-IS Music Consultant Shuji Honda San with JPVA Takakazu Machida San and Masanori Sukegawa San from Kidapawan Orphanage “ Easter Village” rendered a musical number. Honda san played his guitar while Machida san was with his violin and the piano by Sukegawa San.

              The last was the best which is the Omikoshi and Taiko presentation. The manner by which the taiko is banged by the performer made one dumbfounded. One would wonder how much time was used in achieving such perfect move. So amazing that I agree with the statement that you seemed to have gone to Japan looking at the performers with colorful designs, music good to hear and performance excellently executed. We love to see once more Japanese cultural show if given the chance.

Jun
30
2017

“Zairyu Senbou Douhou Irei Tou”
By Admin

Prayer offered to
“Zairyu Senbou Douhou Irei Tou”
(Monument of the Deceased Japanese Residents)

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        At about past ten in the morning of January 13, 2017, the party of Madam Akie Abe with Ms. Honeylet Avancena and Mrs. Medialdea arrived at the Mintal Memorial Garden. Madam Akie offered wreath and prayer before the monument known as Zairyu Senbou Douhou Irei Tou, the monument of those Japanese residents who died in the early days prior to the outbreak of World War II. The area was supposed to be the burial ground exclusively for the Japanese residents but after the war, so many Filipino residents destroyed the gravestones. Others were looking for the so-called “Yamashita treasure” such that the damage done was beyond repair. No treasure or any material of value was uncovered by unscrupulous person and/or the so-call treasure hunters.

      After the offered prayer, Madam Akie and party were ushered to the Monument of No Regret which is the symbol of the long history of friendship between Japan and the Philippines. This is the monument donated personally by the then Mayor of the City of Davao, Hon. Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

        Bishop Ajiro explained to Madam Akie Abe the reason behind the installation of the Monument of No Regret. Names of Kigyo Kyokai officials and benefactors headed by Datu Bago Awardee Tatsuo Uchida will be engraved in this monument. Madam Akie listened intently to what Bishop Ajiro was saying and with teary eyed, offered another prayer.

Tree Planting at Mintal Memorial Garden

DSC_0073January 13, 2017, in the crowd gathered at the Mintal Public Cemetery, specifically at the area where Japanese tombs stand was the presence of persons in white polo shirt and dark pants. We assumed that these are the staffs assigned to safeguard the safety of the highest official in Japan.

First to arrive was the group of Madam Yuko Ishikawa, the wife of the JapaneseAmbassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa. Introduction to various officials who were around took place. Bishop Masataka Ajiro the former President of the Japan Philippine Volunteer Association approached Madam Yuko to do the honor of the ceremonial narra tree planting right beside the road from the entrance of the cemetery to the area where Japanese tombs are found.

Assisting Madam Yuko in the tree planting ceremony were Bishop Ajiro, PNJKPresident Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento and PNJK 2nd Vice President Juseven Austero.