Nikkei-Jin News

No.64

Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center Inc.
Rm.322 Asian Social Institute (ASI) Bldg. 1518 Leon Guinto St. Malate, Manila
SEC Reg. No.: CN2007 14774 TIN No.: 006-879-312-000
April 2024
Telefax No.: 02-83533096; Mobile No.: 0999-881-5358

2024 Survey Result on War-displaced Japanese descendants
The 17th MOFA survey covers June 2023 to March 2024. Another 10 months of challenging
searching had just finished. For this year's list, there is a recurring list with over 300 2nd
generations who were once interviewed and found almost 10 years ago and now searching again to
update their information, health, and nationality status.
The 17th Survey resulted in as follows:
As of March 2024, we have 3,815 2nd gensrecords in our database. Within this totality,
we have categorized them under Acquired
Acquired - 1,615(those who already are Japanese nationals);
Deceased - 1,799
Deceased (those who passed away withoutacquiring); Alive (those who are eligible for
Alive - 138
filing nationality); and Status Unknown
Status Unknown
A total of 3,815(those who lack information and have not263
2nd generation
been yet contacted individuals.) Within the
Deceased, Alive, and Status Unknown, there
are two categories: B and C. Under thiscategory, B comprises 2nd gen whose 1st gen
2,200
Koseki was identified but not registered while
No Japanese
Nationality yet.
category C consists of those whose 1st gen
was NOT yet located at all.
It has been established that the 2,200 2nd gens (Alive, Deceased, and Status Unknown) do notcurrently hold Japanese nationality. Among them, 401 second gens (Alive and Status Unknown) areconsidered as being stateless. The eligible individuals to apply for their nationality registration are
the 138 confirmed Alive 2nd gens. Of these, 58 expressed interest, 63 expressed disinterest, and theremaining 17 were still undecided. 7 of them were found to be new cases and 35 of them had alreadybeen interviewed by the Japanese Consul General. Back to the 16th MOFA Survey, there were 76 2nd
gens alive. Of them, 18 had successfully recovered their nationality with Shuseki approval, and 7 hadpassed away. Research, documentation, and preparation for the Shuseki filing are currently ongoingfor the 51 2nd gens that were left over from the previous survey and the 7 additional cases that wereadded this year. Now, the total of 58 2nd gens are the priorities to assist with filing as soon as
possible.
Breakdown of Interested 58 2nd gens per chapter

Eligible on filingfor nationality
registration

ALIVE - 138

Interested

58

Not Interested
Undecided

17

63

Chapters

2nd gens

Baguio2

Manila9

Palawan

6

Cebu

8

Panay

4

Zamboanga

2

Davao

27

Father’s Koseki*LOCATED

25*NOT Located33Philippine Nikkei Jin Essay Writing Contest Result

Winners of roundtrip ticket to Japan!
Adult section
Rhoda Joyce Alcaide Morandarte, 4th gen

Youth section
Kintaro Garth Bartolome Padua, 5th gen“ Rediscovering My Heritage:
my life as a Philippine Nikkeijin ”“ Living as Nikkeijin“Winners of other prizes!

Tha nk y ou very m uch to
our g enerous sponsors!

*Adult Category (age 25 and up) [ 21 participants]
Best Award:
Natsumi Uemura Ating (2nd gen, English essay)
Excellent Award: Mera Basiliona Taguchi (4th gen, English essay)Fine Award:
Roel G. Lodronio (3rd gen, English essay)
Aiko Matsumoto (4th gen, English essay)*Youth Category (age 16 to 24) [ 10 participants ]Best Award:
Dizziree Mae Palma Gil (5th gen, Japanese essay)
Excellent Award: Giancarlo O.Villacin (5th gen, English essay)Fine Award:
Zchusku Zaymun A. Libago (4th gen, English essay)
Desiree B.Paulino (5th gen, English essay)
Kim Aiko Villareal (4th gen, Japanese essay)*Child Category (age 15 and below) [ 3 participants ]Best Award:
Joshua Alebango Parilla (5th gen , Japanese essay)
Excellent Award: Jus Kenzo Takumi (4th gen, English essay)Fine Award:
Ven Kenri S. Austero (4th gen, English essay)

We received 34 participants from 8 y/o to 90 y/o, 5th generation to 2nd generation, from bothliving in the Philippines and in Japan. Written language：Japanese (4), English (28), Filipino (2)Age range：under 15y/o (3), 16-19 y/o (6), 20-24 y/o (4), 25 y/o (4), 30s (6), 40s (2),50s (5), 60s (2), 80s (1), 90s (1)Once again, thank you to all participants for your hard work and enthusiasm. We hope that every
one of you will keep participating in the future in any kind of event that will encourage you to be
proud of becoming a nikkeijin; To our generous sponsor for participating and giving donation forthe prizes; and to the Panel of Judges, for their support in this contest. We sincerely appreciate yourcontributions.
Comments from the Judges“Personally, I was inclined to give higher points to the older
participants, particularly 2nd generation, because the informationand the sentiments who directly experienced the communication
with their fathers and also the war experiences are somethingthat I strongly believe to be handed on to the next generation,otherwise that memory and experiences narrated by themselves
will disappear once they were gone.”Prof. Michiyo Yoneno-Reyes (University of Shizuoka)
Online judging session held on March 12,2024.

“In the case of Hawaii, Canada, or other countries, Nikkeijin identities have disappeared or not so much
existed after 4th generation. But in this contest, even the 4th or 5th generation Nikkeijin also joined, andthey are also forming Nikkeijin identities. That was an interesting point for me. And I learned that evenyoung Nikkei generations have inherited a stigma caused by Japanese military occupation during WWII.”
Affiliated Prof. Shun Ohno (The Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University)
2(See next page for more)“I think these essays made them curious about where they really came from, and they really research on
their own family background and be aware of the identity as Nikkeijin. All of them were trying hard to
express what they felt about life experiences as Nikkei-jin. I hope this exercise would have succeeded atleast on their part to be more aware of their identity and their background, and this project could givebirth to a more interesting and more substantive project for PNLSC. “
Ms. Bituin Shimada (Court interpreter, President of Kakehashi)“From those essays I found the variety of perspectives from the 2nd generation up to the younger
generation. They all shared heartfelt stories. 2nd generation shared their past experiences, while younger
ones wrote how they are trying to accept the situation and realization. Both are equally good.”
Consul Mary Joy Ramirez (on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Mylene J Garcia-Albano,
Philippine Ambassador to Japan)“This essay contest was really challenge for nikkeijin, especially for young generations to share theirperspective on what is to be a Nikkeijin. Some Nikkeijn eventually found work in Japan, talked about theirdilemma being Filipino and being a Nikkeijn. It is quite interesting for me because they have varied
perspectives and very touching also. From some of the essays, we see the harsh realities when they
started working in Japan.”Atty. Josue Sim Zuniega (Attorney at law, Legal Counsel of PNLSC Inc.)“What was an eye-opener for me was those essays written by the Nisei or the 2nd generations. They
articulated well their ideas despite the fact that there was no questions coming from us. It was really freeflow ideas and impactful stories that they openly shared to all of us. It was a wonderful learning
experience for me. I appreciate also the stories shared by the younger generations, and the experiencesthat they had, including the hardships. Even though they encountered so many challenges, theyconquered it all and are doing their best, so their outlooks are still positive. It is indeed quite amazing.”
Dr. Ines Mallari (President of Philippine Nikkeijin-Kai Rengokai)“All the essays are interesting and I was able to get a better understanding on the present situation of
Nikkeijin. Thank you very much and more power!”
Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai (PNLSC representative of the board)[ MOFA Interviews ]PNLSC and the Japanese Embassy visited 2nd
generation nikkeijin on a two-day trip to Palawan< by Emelyn Bañadera, chapter officer >On February 5, a team consisting of Mr. Norihiro Inomata of thePhilippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC), Minister andConsul General Takahiro Hanada, and Consul Motoyori Yamaguchi of
the Japanese Embassy embarked on a mission to Palawan to interview
Harada residence
war-displaced Japanese descendant families from the municipalities of
Taytay and Rizal. The team arrived at the Municipality of Taytay early in themorning and proceeded to interview Rosalina Mondragon, a descendant of
the Harada Family from Sitio Sigpit.
The following day, on February 6, the team made a courtesy visit to Mayor
Norman S. Ong of the Municipality of Rizal before heading to their next
interview with Solidad Rurong, a descendant of the Oshita Family. The twoof them were the surviving 2nd gen of each clan.
The interviews are part of the PNLSC's ongoing efforts to advocate for thereunification of war-displaced Japanese descendant families with their roots.
The interviews provide valuable information to the PNLSC, which can be
Oshita residence used to further strengthen their advocacy efforts.
3

[ MOFA Interviews ]Valentines Day interviews in Baguio City < by Nida Laroco, Focal person >On February 14, 2024, two (2) MOFA interviews were held at the Abong Office, Baguio City,
conducted by Consul Motoyori Yamaguchi of the Japan Embassy to the Philippines andrepresenting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan (MOFA) together with Mr. Norihiro Inomata,Representative Director of Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center Inc. (PNLSC). Joining themwere Mr. Arnel Cabanisas, Executive Director of the Filipino-Japanese Foundation of Northern
Luzon (FJFNLI); and Ms. Nida B. Laroco, the PNLSC Focal Person for Abong. The two (2) secondgeneration Nikkei-jins who were interviewed were as follows:
Mrs. DELIA TOMITA
Aged 82, was accompanied by her daughter,
Marlyn Tulepa. They are both residents of Baguio
City. It was during this interaction that nanay
Delia shared a special moment by singing a
Japanese song that was taught to her by her
father.
Mrs. MIRIAM SAKAI: Aged 78, embarked on a solo
journey to Baguio all the way from Quirino Province.
Despite her advanced age, she enjoys good health anddoes not require any regular medication. She is eager
and enthusiastic about the prospect of traveling to Japan
to explore her father's hometown and reunite with her
Japanese relatives. She was accompanied to the interview
by her grandson, Mr. Carlos Santiago.

PSA Assured Assistance on 2nd generation Nikkeijins
The Philippine Nikkeijin Rengokai, once again had ameeting with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for
the revision of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
that will help in fast-tracking the application of vital
events for 2nd generation descendants. The meeting
happened on March 15, 2024, at the PSA Bldg in Quezon
City. Attended by the Philippine Rengokai President, Ms.
Ines Mallari, PNLSC Legal Counsel Atty. Josue Sim Zuniega, Manila Nippi chapter President, Mr.
Stephen Buñi, and PNLSC Staff, on the other hand, PSA officers headed by Mr. Claire Dennis Mapa,
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Undersecretary and his team. Also the meeting
was attended and supported by Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada, Consul Motoyori
Yamaguchi, and Councilor Makino of the Japanese Embassy.
During the meeting, Director Mapa assured the eagerness on their part tosupport in helping the Nikkeijins on this matter. They already built a team tolead and monitor, and a mechanism that will carry out this project. PSA
thought of sending an introduction email to all regional offices, especially in
Palawan, to introduce the Rengokai and spread awareness of the existence of
the Nikkeijin organization in the Philippines. Director Mapa exclaimed, ‘Oncethe document reaches the PSA, there is no need to prolong it.’ PSA suggested ascheduled online meeting with the coordinator of both parties for monitoring (left to right)
and sharing of information on the progress of the Dr. Mallari, Dir. Mapa, ConGen
Hanada and Atty. Zuniega
project.
Hopefully, the MOA will be effective and utilized this year for thewelfare of all 2nd generation in need. We sincerely appreciate theattention, effort, time, commitment, and full support given by the PSA
and the Japanese Embassy on this urgent matter of the war-displaced
Japanese descendants in the Philippines.
4CHAPTERSREPORT New batch of Nihongo class for Nikkeijin communities in Bacolod

The opening ceremony of the Japanese Language and Culture class washeld on January 28, 2024, at the L'Fisher Hotel with the support of theJapan Foundation Manila and the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai Rengokai
for the younger generation of Japanese descendants in Negros
Occidental, Bacolod City. The activity was graced and attended by Mr.
Ben Suzuki, Director of Japan Foundation Manila with its staff andJapanese teachers, Honorable Em Legaspi Ang, City Councilor of
Bacolod, Dr. Ines Mallari, President of Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai Rengokai, officers. members, andstudent participants of Negros Nikkeijin chapter. The class was started on February 4, 2024, face-to-face, every Sunday from 1 to 4 PM for 6 months.
“During the opening ceremony, I was given the chance to deliver a message as a representative of theparticipants. We are very thankful to the Japan Foundation Manila and the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai
Rengokai for the wonderful opportunity of free Japanese Language and Culture Lessons that are
offered to the Negros Nikkeijins. I am hoping that we participants
can comply with all the activities and finish by the end of our class.
This may serve as our foundation to fully embrace ourbelongingness as of Japanese descent and also help us in the future.
The ongoing classes are full of excitement and joy despite thedifficulty of learning.” - Ceasar Ian Gico, 4th gen of Watanabe clan
[ Touching messages from our dear 2nd generations/family ]Shuseki Approved

Manuel TANAKA“On behalf of my father, Manuel, and the whole Tanaka family, I would
like to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for the efforts
made by the PNJK and PNLSC in processing the petition for my father ’s
registration. The success has given new hope and opportunity to our
4th generation who dream of coming to Japan. We almost lost hope andthought it was impossible for them to work and live in Japan. We thankAtty. Kin for handling our case. Ma ’am Helen Escovilla and Yoko
Tajika from Tokyo office for their guidance, assistance, and unwavering support
throughout the process.” - Gloria Tanaka Patches, 3rd generation
Esther UEHARA“I am very happy, even though it took a long time to submit my documents
and made repeated interviews, now I'm approved. I am now a Japanesecitizen! My children and grandchildren can come and work in Japan. I
sincerely appreciate the assistance provided by the Japanese government,
sir. Norihiro Inomata, PNLSC Director, and all PNLSC Japan and Manila
staff I also thank the Palawan chapter. I sincerely thank everyone from thebottom of my heart.”
Fortunato OSHIRO“We are very much delighted and pleased to hear such good news. It wasboth heartwarming and emotional for us to inform our grandfather that we
had finally made it after a long time. That hearing such great news brings
tears of joy to our grandfather's eyes. We would also like to express ourheartfelt gratitude to the PNJK, Atty. Keisuke Hirota and the PNLSC.
Thank you!” - Kheyzelle Polinar, 4th generation
5

[ Touching messages from our dear 2nd generations’ family ]BtoA Upgrading Approved

Benita HASEGAWA

Iluminada HASEGAWA“To God Be The Glory! Thankyou Lord for our answered
prayer. Our most awaited
wish
came
true.
Our
application for the upgradingfrom Category B to A of ourmother Benita was finally approved. What awonderful new year blessing to our family! In
behalf of my family, we would like to extend
our heartfelt gratitude to PNLSC Tokyo staff
and Attorney, and Manila staff. We highly
appreciated the full and unwavering support
and assistance provided by their joint efforts
for the approval of our application.
Although it took years for theprocess it’s worth waiting! Indeed
heartwarming!”- Remedios Biag, 3rd generation“I remember what I read in anarticle, ‘Patience is the key toachieve your desired goal. ’ Also,that a ‘turtle may be slow but
can finish a race’. Plus of course,
the saying that I always hearfrom some Pnlsc staff ‘WE NEVER GIVE
UP’. Those words kept me going to pursue
my moms' dream of obtaining her Japanesenationality. I took over the responsibility of
securing
thenecessary
documents
requested by PNLSC when my mother diedin 2010. It was a long tedious process but
fruitful. Our heartfelt gratitude to
all of you. May you be continuously
blessed for all the hard work on yourgoals. More power to PNLSC.”- Patricia Hasegawa Abad, 3rd generation

Francisca YOSHIDA“Upon hearing the good news regrading the approval of Japanese national of mymother, Francisca, whose category fall on category B and now, category A. Francisca
is the daughter of Masaaki Yoshida nd Brigida Engaña Yoshida, her biologicalparents. At first, I was shocked and excited when I read the message of good news
from PNLSC. Anyways, on behalf of the all the families of Francisca
Yoshida Villamil, we are all very happy, very grateful and very thankful
about the approval of petition. And we really appreciate all the effort andhelp of PNLSC. We are praying that this is the start of the Good Future.
Thanks to PNLSC Japan and Manila staff for continuing support and forgiving us part of their precious time.”- Pablo Yoshida Villamil, 3rd generation
Maria YOSHIDA“On behalf of our late mother, Maria Yoshida -Mejia, and myself as
informant, would like to express our sincerest gratitude regarding
the positive outcome of my mom’s application to the government
authority of Japan to recognize her as a legitimate child of bothbiological parents, Masaaki Yoshida married to Brigida Nieva
Engaña. Likewise, thank you so much to PNLSC Japan and Manila
for their kindness and efforts resulting in good consequences. ”- Paquito Yoshida Mejia, 3rd generation
Rufino YOSHIDA“Receiving this significant news fills us with joy and serves as a testament to the yearsof dedicated effort and perseverance. Finally, we find ourselves one step closer torealizing our family's dream of tracing our ancestral roots and potentially reuniting
with our Yoshida clan relatives. The second generation of the Yoshida family deeply
values this opportunity to honor the cherished wishes of our late Lolo,enabling us to showcase his homeland and immerse ourselves in its richculture. Witnessing the immense hard work invested, I am overjoyed to see
it come to fruition. Although our beloved Lolo may not be here to witness this day, I am
certain his spirit rejoices in this significant milestone.” - Liezel Yoshida Ofiana, 4th gen
6[ 4th gen Life Story ]A Nikkeijin’s dream of becoming a Japanese Citizen< Story of Rudy Vallentos, 4th generation of Aikou clan >By the time I was six years old, I already identified myself as Nikkeijin since
I lived with my grandmother, Dolores Aikou. My grandmother told me thather father was Japanese and that her mother died after giving birth to her.
She wanted to find her father’s relative in Japan, but she did not know how to
do so. My father used to tell me that he wanted to go to Japan to meet mymother's relatives, but he passed away in November 2019 without it
happening.

My hardship in my childhood was I was not being able to go to school
1st gen: Takeo
Aikou and wife

because I had to help my parents work for a living. We earned our income byselling Boholano’s sweets called “puto maya.”I feel proud that I am a nikkeijin and I
hope that someday I can go to Japan. So, I did my best to
make it happen. I found my way to the Cebu Nikkeijin Kai in2011 through the Kasahara family, who are also Nikkeijin from
Bohol and a relative of mine.
I arrived in Japan on September 23, 2023, as a factory worker
for the first time with my wife and siblings. My sister came to
Japan in October, and three more siblings and cousins inWith my siblings in Gunma
November. We came here through the same agency but indifferent places in Japan. I and my wife and some cousins are in Gunma prefecture, my sister is in
Narita City, while the other two of my sisters are in Shizuoka
prefecture. Now nine out of my ten siblings are working inJapan!

I have recently changed my workplace and now work at
SEKISUI company in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. We are doing
carpentry work like installation of tiles and kinds of interior
parts of the house. My wife works in another company with myWith coworker at former company
cousin.

I really like Japan because of its cleanliness. Japanese are friendly and well-disciplined. I’m happy
working with my wife and my siblings in the same company. The good point in Japan is that we canbuy food and things that we like because we are earning and have a good job.

I have sons, ages 4 years old and 19 years old. My mother-in-law is
the one taking care of my 2 sons in Bohol. My dream is to get my 2sons from Bohol to Japan and live together. However, it seems
difficult, especially for the eldest son who has reached adulthood
because my father’s name could not be registered in mygrandmother Dolores’s Koseki. My only request to the Japanese
government is that I will take Japanese citizenship myself, and live
here in Japan with my two sons.

I am currently learning the Japanese language through self-study
because I’m Nikkeijin. I would like to acquire Japanese nationality,change my last name to Aiko, and become a Japanese passport
holder.

My family

Thank you very much for the opportunity to impart my life.
7

Nikkeijin Members and Donors
January 1 to March 31, 2024
Renewal
Feliciana Buladas Asib
Robert Francis Rublico
Juanito Alpes
Pedro Lamsing Yawaka
Larni Mumar Alpes
Josefina Michiko Yagi
Alec Esaki Catalonia
Julieta Yagi Avila
Bernie Esaki Danoy
Pablito Yagi
Cristina Buladas FriasPaul Yagi
Antonio P. Hoshiko
Perla Yagi
Rafael Tanaka Maquiling Perlita Yagi Johnson
Alfred Matsumoto
Pinky Yagi Rival
Olbes Oliva Mumar
Precy Yagi Manlangit
Melvin Dagsaan Miwa
Pretzel Yagi Sun

New Members
Reneboy Esteban
Gabriel Bautista Orite
Merly Miyahira Terao
Romeo Casiano Toda
DonorsAlec Esaki Catalonia
Antonio P. Hoshiko
Rafael Tanaka Maquiling
Yagi Family

Thank you for your most generous donation! We are so fortunate to have caught theattention of people like you with large warm hearts.
Teach Me Nihongo
Sentence Pattern
* は
wa

です。

Watashi wa Jose desu. (I am Jose.)

desu.

Watashi wa gakusei desu. (I am a student.)

The word (*) before は is the subject of the sentence.
です is like “be verb” in English.

Watashi wa juuni sai desu. (I am 12 years old.)
Namae wa nan desu ka? (What is your name?)
Anata wa gakusei desu ka? (Are you student?)<Interrogative sentence>
は
ですか。
wa
desu ka?
<Positive sentence>
は
です。
wa
desu
<Negative sentence>
はではありません。
wa
dewa arimasen

Hai, watashi wa gakusei desu. (Yes, I am s student.)
Iie, watashi wa gakusei dewa arimasen. (No, I am
not a student.)

Try to make your own and repeat it 10 times tomemorize! What is yourWatashi wa ___________ desu.

Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center Inc. Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center(Japan)(Philippines)
Address: Room 602 Sobi Building, 1-7 Yotsuya,
Address : Rm.322 ASI Bldg. 1518 Leon Guinto Street
Shinjuku-ku Tokyo, Japan
160-0004
Malate, Manila 1004
Tel.: 03-6709-8151/ Fax: 03-6709-8152
Contact Nos.: 02-83533096 / 0999-881-5358
Email Add: info@pnlsc.com
Email Add: pnlsc_mla@yahoo.com /pnlscmla@gmail.com

President: Juseven AusteroWebsite: http://www.pnlsc.com
Representative Director: Hiroyuki Kawai
Norihiro Inomata