Every year, Japanese nationals from Okinawa Prefecture pay homage to their deceased relatives and friends buried in Davao. This year the large group of 53 arrived in the city on July 21, 2017, to fulfill their annual commitment.
They first visited the Tamugan Shrine, offering wreaths and prayers for the souls of those buried thereat. The Tamugan Shrine monument was erected by and in behalf of those who had been born in Davao, and whose kin died and were buried in the Tamugan Area.
After visiting Tamugan, the group passed by the Philippine–Japan Museum located at the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, Calinan Branch. One
visitor named Taboru recalled his English Teacher Mrs. De Lara, whose picture is posted in the museum.
From Calinan School the group moved on to the Mintal Public Cemetery, and then finally to Lubogan, where they likewise offered their prayers. A small dinner party was held at Waterfront Insular Hotel to culminate the group’s meaningful trip.
More than a decade of searching their father, finally they are going to Japan to visit the Homeland of their father. The visit is to appeal to the Japanese government for them to be recognized as Japanese national. The lucky candidates
as of this year Homecoming Tour are the children of Mashimura Marumoto namely, Pacita, Roque and Estodi. The other family is the child of Hotohori Abe named, Dorina Abe. There are three children of Hotohori Abe who are alive but due to health condition, they were not able to join the Homecoming Tour thus Dorina Abe represents her two siblings.
In preparation to our departure, we asked them to prepare themselves to be in good health. You will be questioned in family court. Upon our arrival in Japan, you will face the media, who could help us in looking your relatives in Japan.
October 15, 2016- Departure from Davao to Manila.The group arrived in Manila safely then proceeded to Shalom Center Hotel. Mr. Norihiro Inomata and his two staff arranged the welcome dinner at Mr. Poon Restaurant. I did not know that Mr. Inomata will leave ahead of us, until that night he informed me that I am the only person who will bring the group to Japan. I am nervous but got no choice but to be strong.
October 16, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. Personal Appearance at Japanese Embassy in Manila for our visa. It did not take us long to receive our visa. 2nd Gen appeared at Japanese Consul for signature purposes.
October 16, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. Interview conducted by Ms. Narumi Tateda from Manila Shimbun. The reporter of Manila shimbun speaks English well, so I spoke in Visayan to the 2nd gen and interpreted their answers into English. The Press interview lasted for 2 hours and after the interview, PNLSC staff was around to distribute our ticket and give reminders to everyone.
October 17-18, 2015. 2 days stayed at the Hotel with delicious food provided by Ms. Emie Billiones. During these days, the 2nd gen cannot go out to go to Mall due to Typhoon Lando. The wind is so heavy outside and I advised them better not to go out to avoid accidents. Let us pray for our safe travel on Monday.
October 19, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. Departure bound for Japan. We left Shalom Hotel at 5:00 A.M., had check in at PAL counter bound for Haneda. I get forms of Immigration and fill it up. Then we fall in line to the Immigration Officers. There were few questions asked but I can explain to them the purpose of our travel. We safely pass at Philippine Immigration without hassles then proceeded to the waiting area for boarding. When boarding time, I informed Mr. Inomata through text that we are on board. At the plane, I noticed that the olds were nervous and excited. While on plane I filled up the forms of their Japan Immigration card and Customs. During the flight we did not experience any turbulence, it was a smooth flight, that the olds said it was a good flight no “lubak lubak” unlike
a travel to their place full of “lubak lubak”. I thank God, he heard our prayer for good weather.
Upon our arrival, we proceeded to Japan Immigration, I am nervous because I am not confident with my Nihongo, I spoke to Immigration Officer and I understand her question, I told them that I cannot leave them and
shown to them the Travel Document, they immediately brought us to the office of Immigration where the officer put stamped, requested us for finger printing and removed our disembarkation card then proceeded to Custom area to claim our baggage. I thanked God again, we succeeded that no difficult questions asked to us.
When we met Mr. Inomata and Mr. Kobari, he brought us to the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu where the media men are waiting for press conference. During the Press con Atty . Hiroyuki Kawaii and the Executive Director of Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yuji Mori gave speech after his speech the 2nd Gen was introduced by Mr. Inomata. There were questions asked by media’s to the 2nd Gen but they answered it well. After the Press conference, Tatay Estodi got dizzy, he seated for a while hoping he could get back but he was not, Ms. Kyoko Ishii requested wheel chair from the hotel, so we brought him to the car, going to the Hotel. Mr. Inomata assisted Tatay Estodi in going up and down from the car to the hotel. Ms Takano, Ms Kyoko and Mr. Inomata brought Tatay Estodi to his room. We stayed for a while hoping Tatay Estodi could join dinner with us. But it was not, we asked Benedict his grandson to stay with Tatay Estodi while the rest will have dinner. Mr. Inomata bought food for Benedict and Tatay Estodi. Mr. Inomata advised me if in case Tatay Estodi’s condition get worst, I will call him so that we could bring him to the hospital.
Oct. 20, 2015 Schedule of Court Appearance. Dorina Abe was assisted by Mr. Inomata with Mr. Kobari as interpreter in court. While the Marumoto family, Ms. Kyoko Ishii and I assisted them in Court. It was my first time to be in court in Japan, and it was also the first time of Ms. Ishii that there were 3 investigators handling the case of Marumoto siblings. As interpreter I know the family background but I cannot answer for them because the court needed their answer. It took us 3 hours in court but we are hoping for the best result since the documents of Tatay Estodi, the name of his father was indicated as Mashimura Marumoto and the nationality is Japanese. That is one strong evidence of the Marumoto siblings and the family photos taken before the war.
Oct. 21, 2015 Senate Appearance to the Office of Senator Kensuke Miyazaki. The 2nd Gen together with Atty. Hiroyuki Kawaii, Ms. Takano, Ms. Ishii, Mr. Inomata, Ms. Okubo of Nippon Foundation and Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla have a courtesy meeting with the Honorable Senator Kensuke Miyazaki. He said to the 2nd Gen that he will try his best that the Category C will be interviewed by Japanese Consul in Manila in support to our shuseki petition. Another promise is that he will request that during the visit of Emperor in Japan to the Philippines, the Nikkei community will be given a slot. He said when he was 2 years old until 7 years old he lived in Manila.
At Nippon Foundation Office. After the courtesy call to the office of Senator Kensuke, we proceed to the office of Nippon Foundation we were served lunch and after a sumptuous lunch we met Mr. Ogata, the President of Nippon Foundation. All 2nd gen extended their thanks and gratitude to the President. He even gave advice to the 2nd Gen not to stop working even if they are old.
Sky Tree Tokyo Tower. After our courtesy visit at Nippon Foundation, they brought us to Sky Tree Tokyo Tower. In this place you can see the overview of Tokyo. Everyone were so happy while watching down the building.
October 22, 2015- Flight back to Davao. We checked out at Tokyu Stay Hotel. Ms. Takano was around to bid goodbye to us while Mr. Inomata took us to Haneda Airport. When in the airport, we checked in at the counter of ANA Airline. I showed to them our tickets and Travel Document, but to my dismay they refused to accept the Travel Document of the 2nd Gen. The officer of the check in counter said to me, that she will refer this to her supervisor because it is new to her. Mr. Inomata explained to the Supervisor as I understand, they have no nationality and they were stateless (in Japanese “Kokuseki nai”) so they were issued Travel Document that will serve as their passport. The Supervisor left then came back and refused us again. She did come back I think 3 times to refuse the Travel document.
This time Mr. Inomata got mad. The check in counter advised me that to those holding a regular passport can go ahead. I said to her, NO ma’am, I cannot leave without them. After 1 hour and 30 minutes of waiting she finally accepted the Travel Document. The boarding pass was issued to the 2nd gen, the Supervisor try to apologize, but we ran out of time, so we left from the check in counter going to Immigration. It was almost 9a.m our flight time. We did not request for wheelchair for the old because we think we have so much time walking to our gate no. for departure.
At the Immigration we have no hard time presenting our Travel Document. The officer stamped the Travel Document without question. When we arrived at our Gate no. it is good that the Flight was delayed for 30 minutes. We left Japan at 9:30 A.M.
When we arrived in Manila at Terminal 3, we went to Immigration and I showed to the officer the Travel Document. The Immigration Officer brought us inside their office to fill up the forms of the stateless 2nd Gen. There were questions but I explained to them the purpose of our travel in Japan. We picked up our baggage and proceeded to the Transfer desk for Terminal 2. Our flight is 5:00 P.M., and we arrived at Davao at 8:00 P.M. We separate ways at Davao Airport.
The visit of the 2nd Generations to Japan will not be possible without the people behind this project. The PNLSC President, Mr. Hiroyuki Kawaii and his ever supportive staff Ms. Takano, Ms, Ishii and Mr. Inomata, we are really grateful for the time and their dedication to their work for the approval of the 2nd Gen Shuseki Petition. The PNLSC staff in Manila, who work hard for the Travel Document and visas of the 2nd Gen. The Nippon Foundation President, Mr. Ogata a very compassionate person. His sincerity to help the Nikkei jins to be recognized as Japanese national had promised to continue its financial support to them. The presence of Ms. Okubo during our visit will always give me a smile to her being a jolly person. The ever active PNJK President, Ret. Judge Antonina B. Escovilla, despite the distance from Ibaraki to Tokyo, she was around to support the Nikkei jins.
To all the supporters in this project, the happiness you give to the 2nd Gen and to their companions will always be remembered and forever be grateful because of your good deeds.
As an assistant to the 2nd Gen. thank you for your trust to me. I am happy and forever be grateful to experiencethis meaningful kind of work.
Blessing of New Building at Calinan, September 17, 2015
April 14, 2014, in the evening, PNJK-IS team arrived at Kansai Airport, Osaka, Japan. In a few minutes, the bus owned by the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Kansai, came on schedule.
Upon reaching the Institute, each was handed an envelope containing instructions as regards the schedule of classes, trip to Kyoto, the use of our IDs and meal time.
The following day, we underwent orientation and self-introduction ceremony. Hee-jeong Shin san was our emcee and took the liberty of introducing to us the composition of the staff in the Learning Section. Her English is flawless but of course Nihongo was used most of the time.
The Vice-Director of Japan Foundation Akihiko Murata San gave his welcome address. The word “lucky” was given emphasis in his message. Truly, we were lucky because not only was the weather very cooperative but the sakura flowers were still in full bloom. You see along the avenue trees bearing sakura flowers of various colors.
The next was the tour of the center. We were ushered to two storey buildings where classes are held. You see students from other countries in the classroom and even in corridors during their free time. We then proceeded to the canteen and how to order food during meal period. The security area was part of the tour as well as the exterior part of the edifice. The facilities are so impressive that all basic needs are within your reach.
In the afternoon classes intended for our group commenced. What is admirable is that all of the staff and teachers can speak English. You will be amazed how good they are and so courteous, kind and accommodating. Evening of the second day the group went out of the Center. A bus is there for the use of the occupants of the center. There is a schedule when the bus leaves the Center and the time it goes back. The ride was free provided the destination is the Namba area. It was fun to explore in unfamiliar area and how to put into use the little knowledge that you have in Nihongo.
April 16, 2014 was the trip to Kyoto. Shin san was with us, so gorgeous that you feel baffled why a native of Korea is in Japan working just like any ordinary Japanese without any qualms. We had a tour guide. A good one and can crack joke without changing facial expression. At times you find yourself believing in what he just said.
My task is the visit to Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. The other name of the Golden Pavilion is Kinkaku. The visit took place on April 16, 2014. It was an exciting and enjoyable trip with a lot of souvenir shops lined up along the pathway going to the site. We were forewarned by the tour guide before proceeding to the temple that we should be alert at all times lest one or more will be lost due to the presence of hundreds of tourists composed of students who were on field trip, group of Japanese adults and foreigners like us.
Kinkaku (The Golden Pavilion) originally was known as Rokuon-ju Temple. It is a zen Buddist temple. Because of its fame the former US President George Bush visited the site and took photos of a very unique heritage of Japan.
The Golden Pavilion is surrounded by a man-made lake and can be seen at a distance. The temple is a three-storey edifice and each floor has different designs. Koto Nobu residence style can be found at the
first floor while the second floor is samurai style and the third is zen style. The ceiling is covered with gold. About 20 kilos were used. Installed on the floor is black lacquer and because of its reflection goldis very prominent. On the side of the floor ashes are kept. Buddhist ashes and bone are stored on that side. Looking closely at the Golden Pavilion square miniature carved on the wall is noticeable. Those represent about 200 thousand set of real gold leaf weighing 20 kilos assessed at more than 700 million yen.
The Golden Pavilion is accessible only to the King and the Prince. No other person is allowed to enter the said temple. On top of the temple is an oriental phoenix, a symbol of happiness. According to some, Phoenix represents shogun that looks after Japan.
After the temple we were ushered to a bonsai tree which is 600 years old. In the beginning it was so small but shogun loved it so much that he planted it on the spot as photographed and has grown that big yet still considered as bonsai.
There is a tea house right within the area where the Golden Pavilion is located. The kinkaku is especially beautiful when seen from the tea house late in the afternoon sun. This view is reflected in the tea house named Sekkatei (Place of Evening Beauty).
At the temple is a statute of the Buddhist Deity Fudo-Ryo-o. It is believed that the statute was made in the 9th century. Though hidden from the public view, the image has long been revered for its miraculous powers. Open door rituals are held on Setsubun early February and on August 16.
April 17, 2014 was the day of proving to all of the success of the learning session. All participants were asked to state in the Japanese language the experience encountered in Kyoto. Though not perfectly delivered, there was, to my assessment, 80% satisfaction of the performance of everyone. Our graduation came to an end with memories that will forever be cherished by each. The generosity of Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute in allowing the group to stay is highly appreciated. We have witnessed the patience and understanding demonstrated by the teachers and staff to all who are still struggling in learning the language as well as embracing the culture that we aim to inculcate to our students and even to our members of the family. Preserving the heritage is one and what is most important is time consciousness. To me time is gold. We can more if time management is well observed.
Let me thank the management of Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute for this rare opportunity allowing us the use of the center and study the language even for such a short stint and the chance to see Osaka, Japan more so the preserved heritage in Kyoto. Thank you so much – from the PNJK International School Group and we hope to see you all in one of your visits in our place.
Every year, Japanese nationals from Okinawa Prefecture pay homage to their deceased relatives and friends buried in Davao. This year the large group of 53 arrived in the city on July 21, 2017, to fulfill their annual commitment.
