Last May 2-6, 2024, a delegation from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Hon. Takahiro Hanada, Consul Motoyori Yamaguchi of the Japanese Embassy, and Mr. Norihiro Inomata of PNLSC, visited Palawan. The mission aimed to assess the living conditions of Japanese descendants in Coron, Palawan, and strengthen PNLSC’s advocacy for reuniting war-displaced families with their Japanese roots.
Linapacan Island: Meeting the Yuhara and Morine Families
On May 3, after a challenging three- to four-hour boat ride from El Nido port to Linapacan Island through strong waves, the delegation reached their first destination in Brgy. Colaylayan, Linapacan. There, they met 85-year-old Maria Yuhara Agayon, who lives with her son and relies on her children for financial support.
The team then traveled to Linapacan Proper, where they interviewed two more members of the Yuhara clan: Pamfila Yuhara Bayotas (86) and Esther Yuhara Magalona (79). The interviews were held at the house of Linapacan’s former mayor. Esther has already been recognized as a Japanese national, while preparations for Pamfila and Maria’s petitions are underway.
Next, in Brgy. San Nicolas, Linapacan, the delegation met sisters Esperanza Morine Cabrillos (85) and Lydia Morine Galalan (83). Living in homes made of bamboo and sawali without electricity, they face severe economic challenges and depend on their children for survival. Esperanza’s arthritis prevents her from standing without assistance, highlighting the urgent need for better medical access in their remote area.




Cullion: Progress and Support from Local Leadership
On May 4, the team embarked on a five- to six-hour boat journey from Linapacan port to Cullion, arriving at 7 p.m. They were warmly welcomed by Mayor Virginia Nakachi De Vera, a third-generation Japanese descendant, and her family. The interview took place at the mayor’s residence, where the delegation learned about the family’s success and their strong ties with relatives in Japan. The mayor’s family’s fourth generation is already working in Japan, reflecting significant progress.
Mayor Nakachi expressed gratitude to Hon. Hanada for his visit by providing transportation to Coron using her family’s speedboat. “I hope all Japanese descendants in Palawan achieve similar success,” she said.
Coron: Stories of Resilience and Reunion
On May 5, the delegation traveled by speedboat to Coron, arriving at 10 a.m. They took a one-hour van ride to Borac to meet 80-year-old Samuel Akahiji, who resides near the site where his father was reportedly killed. Samuel and his brother Nobor grew up without their father, enduring immense challenges but remaining inspired by their parents’ memory. In December 2023, with the help of Councilor Ayaka Shiomura and PNLSC, Samuel’s family reconnected with their Japanese roots. A fourth-generation family member read a letter of appreciation during the visit, expressing gratitude to the Japanese Embassy for its support.
The delegation then returned to Coron Town Proper to visit Josefina Kawakami (80) in Brgy. Sinamay, who was granted shuseki (family registration) status in 2019. The visit concluded with a courtesy dinner hosted by Mayor Marjo Reyes of Coron, marking the end of the delegation’s mission.
A Continuing Mission
This visit emphasized the importance of reconnecting Japanese descendants in the Philippines with their ancestral roots. Through interviews and direct engagement, the delegation gained valuable insights into the hardships and hopes of these families. The Japanese Embassy’s efforts, in collaboration with PNLSC, highlight the commitment to addressing historical injustices and providing meaningful support to the descendants of war-displaced families.