Throughout August and September 2025, members of the Philippine Nikkei-jin community welcomed Japanese officials and celebrated events across the country, each one reinforcing the shared heritage and ongoing friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
PALAWAN CHAPTER:
A Visit of Hope and Connection
August 20, 2025 – Puerto Princesa City
Councilor Ayaka Shiomura was warmly received by the officers of the Palawan Nikkei-jin Kai Chapter upon her arrival in the city.
She met with Governor Amy Alvarez to discuss key issues including tourism, local development, and the concerns of Japanese descendants in Palawan.
Councilor Shiomura also toured the Mendoza Museum and Plaza Cuartel, both historic sites from World War II, before visiting Veronica Jikuhara, a 93-year-old second-generation Nikkei-jin. Her presence brought renewed hope and assurance of Japan’s continuing compassion toward its descendants in the Philippines.
(By Michiko Schmidt, V.P.)
ILOILO CHAPTER:
Remembering the Past, Strengthening Peace
August 22, 2025 – Iloilo City
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Panay Nippi Kai, Inc. partnered with the Iloilo City Government to hold a memorial ceremony at Sunburst Park.
The event featured a wreath-laying and candle-lighting at the Japanese War Dead Memorial, symbolizing friendship and reconciliation.
Key speakers included Councilor Ayaka Shiomura, Deputy Consul-General Toshio Yadomi, and Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, all emphasizing the value of peace and compassion over division.
A lecture by Dr. Ricardo T. Jose, Professor Emeritus at U.P. Diliman, titled “From Hatred to Understanding: Rebuilding Relations and Tragic Memories”, capped the event with deep historical reflection and renewed solidarity.
(By Ma. Leah Takara M. De la Cruz, Pres.)
CEBU CHAPTER:
A Peaceful Tribute to the Fallen
August 15, 2025 – Cebu City
The Cebu Nikkei-jin Kai (CNJK) gathered with the Japanese community at Marco Polo Plaza to commemorate Peace Memorial Day.
Central to the ceremony was the Cebu Kannon, the statue of the Goddess of Mercy, symbolizing healing and compassion.
The solemn gathering underscored how the Philippines and Japan now stand as enduring partners in peace and remembrance.
(By Sylvia Apuado, P.A.)
DAVAO CHAPTER:
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
September 7, 2025 – Davao City
Congressman Yamato Aoyama of Ibaraki Prefecture visited the Davao Nikkei-jin community, meeting with Judge Antonina Escovilla, Dr. Ines Mallari, and other leaders of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai organizations.
He toured the Mintal Cemetery to offer prayers for the deceased, then visited the IMIN Philippine-Japan Historical Museum in Calinan, where he met with surviving second-generation Nikkei-jin. Deeply moved, he expressed admiration for their resilience and unwavering goodwill toward Japan despite the pains of war.
(By Helen Tiu Escovilla, Head Legal)
NEGROS CHAPTER:
Commitment to Recognition and Remembrance
August 3 & 17, 2025 – Bacolod City
The Negros Occidental Filipino-Japanese Descendants Association, Inc. (NOFJDAI) held its monthly meeting at Westown Hotel, marking the organization’s 4th anniversary and planning future activities to strengthen Nikkei-jin recognition efforts across the Visayas.
Later in the month, members held a memorial ceremony honoring those who perished during the war—a gesture that continues to affirm the community’s dedication to remembrance and identity.
(By Rodolfo Toledo, Pres.)
MANILA CHAPTER:
Unity and Leadership for the Future
August 23, 2025 – Manila
The Manila Central Luzon Nippi Association held a successful general assembly attended by over 80 members, along with PNLSC Director Norihiro Inomata and Councilor Ayaka Shiomura.
The highlight of the event was the election and oath-taking of new officers, officiated by Councilor Shiomura herself. She also engaged directly with members, listening to their concerns and reaffirming her support for the welfare of the Nikkei-jin community.
(By Aileen Santos, V.P.)
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