THE NIPPON FOUNDATIONimg336

        My heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in hosting the 9th Nikkei-jin Convention!

        We, the Nippon Foundation, together with Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center, have been working to support the stateless-Nissei to restore their Japanese nationality. I am deeply grieved that many Nisei still remain affected by World War II, even though 70 years have since passed. We promise that we will keep our priorities clear and do our best to move forward as fast as possible. Our most recent step towards the solution took place in July 2015, when we met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to ask for urgent support, as well as made declarations to relevant ministries and agencies to urge for assistance in resolving this issue.

        I believe that there will be challenges ahead for each Nikkei-jin Kai and the Rengokai; however, the Nippon Foundation, we will continue to assist you, the best that we can.

        Once again, Congratulations on the holding of the Nikkei-jin Convention, and please accept my best wishes to all of you for the greatest success in your endeavors.

                                                                                                     (Sgd.) Mr. Yohei Sasakawa

                                                                                                                    Chairman