Mar
06
2018
Departure Orientation
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Pre Departure orientation before going to Japan
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Tag: Nikkeijin
Jun
30
2017
JPIC UPDATES
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![DSC_0869[1]](http://pnjkincdavao.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DSC_08691.jpg)
![DSC_0873[1]](http://pnjkincdavao.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DSC_08731.jpg)
A wise man once said “Do not be afraid of changes but be sensitive to something
changing”.
2015 was the Japan Philippine Industry Council’s year of transition, 2016 was a fruitful year after transition and 2017 is the 1st chapter of a stable make-over with renewed vigor and business mentality as it faces the changing Japan and new breed of Philippine Nikkei Jin.
February 10, 2017 was the JPIC/PNJK Joint Meeting that was attended by 9 JPIC member companies and 10 PNJK Officers. Important matters were discussed like the number of Nikkei Jin qualified for sponsorship by JPIC, approved PNJK shuseki applicants, activities, accomplishments and future projects of PNJK.
February 11, 2017 JPIC attended the 11th Davao Baseball Tournament. One of the JPIC’s advisers Mr. Akira Sekino of Funasho Shoji has been supporting and extending assistance to the said activity.
February 12, 2017 JPIC attended the 25th Flute/Recorder Assemble. JPIC has been supporting the said activity for several years now. The JPIC President Mr. Tokumitsu has started a drive to collect new and used recorders in Kagoshima, Japan.
April 16 – May 1, 2017 was the annual visit of JPIC Liaison Officer to the different JPIC member companies. The main objective of the visit is monitoring of the condition and situation of the Philippine Nikkei Jin under JPIC. Consultations, discussions and get-togethers were the highlight of the itinerary.
This year’s visit gave JPIC new insights and realization that Philippine Nikkei Jin are indeed evolving. Their way of thinking has greatly changed and influenced by social media. Although problems and needs remain the same they surprisingly have taken a new form. Loyalty and sense of gratitude remain the greatest challenge to date.
May 12, 2017 was the JPIC Directors’ Meeting in Tokyo, Japan. The agenda of the meeting were: the JPIC Soukai in July 2017 and JPIC continuous support to Philippine Nikkei Jin Legal Support Center, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai (Rengokai), Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. (Davao), Manila Central Luzon Nippi Association, Inc. (Manila), Panay/Iloilo Nikkei Jin Kai, Zamboanga Nikkei Jin Kai and JPIC Scholarship Grant.
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Jun
30
2017
37th General Assembly by: Evelyn Obuchi
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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.
Padayon sa Pag-uswag
PNJK-
IS 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
57th Convention of Kaigai Nikkei Jin Tai Kai
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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.
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Nov
30
2016
“36th PNJK General Assembly”
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Nikkei – jin meeting with Their Majesties:
A great reason for jubilation, vigor and renewed strength.
by: Evelyn Obuchi
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 is: Nikkei – 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
16
2015
“Expectation from Nikkei Jin Kai”
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Expectation from Nikkei Jin Kai
by: Masataka Ajiro
President, Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association
This time I would like to talk about my expectations from Nikkei Jin Kai.
First, I would like to tell you a little bit about the JPVA (Japan Philippine Volunteers Association)The Japan-Philippine Volunteers Association aims to look for problems/issues about both countries; Philippines and Japan and to look for ideas on how to reduce those issues/problems.I met the Japanese descendants (Nikkei Jin) way back in 1984, then created a school, from there, it continue to improve from elementary to High School until college.
In 1991, I created the Japan Philippine Volunteers Association together with the Japanese Descendants (Nikkei Jin), mainly for the education of poor children, problems about caregivers and to have tree planting activities on the mountains, collect Recorders in Japan, established recorder ensemble group and organized activities in schools in the mountains, to create a
Historical museum where the documents about the Davao history are accumulated and it’s a retained culture are preserved.
Our activities aim to make our partners (people) be independent, to give chance/opportunity to people. A nice isn’t it? That’s why, in order to pursue an activity to become independent, we have to let go of our hands from them (Nikkei Jin Kai). So, the Japanese School, Elementary School, Philippine-Japanese Historical Museum, Recorder Group and others are not by the Japan Philippine Volunteer Association, it is now handled by the Nikkei Jin Kai.
Recent Tendencies
The activities from Japan to Philippines were done in the 20th century. In the 21st century, the issues about Japan stand out than the issues in the Philippines. In Japan right now, ¼ of its population is composed of people aged 65 and above. There are many old people but the numbers of young people who will support them are few. There are insufficient shelters for old people who need care. This is the big problem of Japan.
In our office in Japan, we are receiving a lot of calls from elderly, asking if they can hire caregivers from the Philippines or if it is ok to live in the Philippines.
20 years ago, the problem was about the children in the Philippines, but now, the problem about the elderly is increasing.
From there, there are things I want to propose to the Nikkei Jin Kai, I hope that Nikkei Jin Kai will help the old people in Japan. I wish that helping them will be the first in line of their activities.
- The idea is there but, we hope to have a Japanese language specialization at MKD or to have any kind of specialization to rear more skilled young people who could go to Japan. If it is possible, they will not go to Japan to get hired and work but they will go there to help Japan. We, together with the Nikkei Jin Kai want to create a (group of Young People from Overseas) and then, we want to inform the government of Japan about it for public information.
- I want to create a group of skilled people to come to Japan among MKD graduates. The MKD will be the bridge towards strong ties between Japan and Philippines. I want MKD to be that kind of institution.
- You also need to start a campaign for building Japanese nursing home for Japanese elderly. In cooperation with municipal government in Japan, you start the campaign for building a resort for Japanese elderly. Mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo R. Duterte likes the idea of this campaign very much and he told that he would lend land as much as possible. People who are interested in this idea will visit Japan soon. I am scheduled to engage shortly in building a small nursing home in dormitory of Japan Philippines Volunteer Association.
- Another thing which I suggest is to ask all parties concerned to have direct flights from Japan to Davao in cooperation with Hello World. I have already discussed about this matter with person concerned.
There are many other things which Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc., MKD and we can do for the Philippines and Japan.Let us all work together and make Davao City famous for its safety and easy access from Japan, “The City of Healing Power”.
Davao and Japan will start making a new history. The monument in Mintal was built to commemorate this. Mayor of Davao City, Hon. Rodrigo R. Duterte built this monument for the new relationship for the Philippines and Japan. Unveiling ceremony is scheduled on October 7, 2013 from two o’clock in the afternoon. I hope you all could come to witness it.
I have a message for Japanese Descendants. Let’s start new activities together with us. You, members of Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Inc. in Davao are the bridge of Philippines and Japan.
I hope that next year we will have a direct flight from Narita to Davao and lots of Visitors from Japan will join Philippine Japan Festival. I don’t have much time left, however I will continue to support Davao and Japan to be able to have a good relationship in many ways as long as I live.
Thank you for listening.
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Sep
14
2015
“34th General Assembly Held May 11, 2014” By: Emiko Escovilla
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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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Sep
14
2015
“JPIC And The Nikkei Jin Living In Japan – A Picture of Recovery”
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It has been two years since Northeast Japan experienced one of the world’s greatest calamities but so much changes and reconstructions have been undergone since then.
Japan’s economy slipped into a temporary recession following the devastation. Nikkeijin working with companies directly affected by the disaster suffered temporary shorter working hours and limited working days but those are all in the past because as of this writing working situation have returned to normalcy though some nikkeijin moved to other cities with another company but loyal ones opted to stay. To mention few loyalists like the Yamaguchi-Tungkalan Family, Suemitsu-Ibanez Family, Hayashi-Villas Family, Yawaka-Mumar Family, Tsunashima Family, Nakagawa-Hiquial Family, Toyoda-Magallon Family and Kamiyama Family.
On July 9, 2012, was the start of a new residency management system wherein a resident card will be issued and alien registration system abolished. The re- entry permit system has also been changed. Nikkeijin who will be entering Japan within one (1) year of their departure not be required to apply for a re-entry permit. This new system is favorable to the nikkeijin.
Employment availability status in food industry remains average and favorable in most parts of the country like Hokkaido, Sendai, Fukushima, Tochigi, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Kagawa and Kagoshima. Japanese government is encouraging and showing appreciation to nikkeijin going to Sendai and Fukushima by not collecting visa fee. Though there was a mass lay-off in Sony-Gifu (electronic industry) last year – this year electronic and car industries are picking up.
More sponsorship is forecasted for summer season as Japanese food and car industry kick into action once again. Nikkeijin are expected not to be very choosy and refused difficult, wet and messy jobs; to take care of the present job they have; learn Nihongo; understand by heart and embrace Japanese culture and traditions, to obey rules and regulations of Japan; inculcate sense of gratitude and to acquire new skills to be competitive and successful in Japan and globally.
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