Historic Meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Signals Hope for Philippine Nikkei-Jin Recognition
On April 29, 2025, a historic and heartfelt gathering took place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, where Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with three prominent 2nd-generation Philippine Nikkei-jin: Mr. Carlos Teraoka (95), Mr. Jose Takei (82), and Ms. Esterlita Matsuda (90).
This rare and powerful occasion highlighted the urgent appeal of many aging Nikkei-jin seeking official Japanese citizenship and recognition of their Japanese heritage before it’s too late.
In a short yet emotional 20-minute meeting, the three Nikkei-jin elders shared their stories of identity, loss, and longing, emphasizing how much it would mean to reconnect with the homeland of their Japanese fathers. They were accompanied by an interpreter who bridged the deep emotions across language and generations.
Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged their struggles and expressed deep admiration for their resilience. He also expressed his sadness that many Nikkei-jin have passed away without being officially recognized by Japan. As head of state, he gave his commitment to do everything within his power to expedite the recognition process and open doors for remaining 2nd-gen Nikkei-jin to regain Japanese nationality and even visit Japan during their lifetimes.
This gathering, facilitated through the support of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC), serves as a symbolic but tangible move toward healing historical wounds.
Mr. Teraoka, speaking in fluent Japanese, represented the voices of the generation. Ms. Matsuda and Mr. Takei followed with moving testimonies about their fathers, Japanese men who had been unable to bring their families back to Japan due to the chaos of war. Now in their twilight years, they simply wish to set foot on Japanese soil and be acknowledged as rightful children of Japan.
“Many 2nd-gen Nikkei-jin are dying without ever visiting Japan. This visit from PM Ishiba reignites hope that their birthright may yet be restored,” said Atty. Josue Sim Zuniega, Legal Counsel for PNLSC.
This event sends a clear message that Japan’s efforts to reconnect with overseas descendants, particularly those who were stateless or legally unrecognized due to WWII, are being taken seriously. The PNLSC continues to push these initiatives, legally and socially, to assist more Nikkei-jin in reclaiming their Japanese identity and citizenship, before time runs out.
If you are a descendant of a Japanese national in the Philippines and wish to trace your ancestry or pursue Japanese citizenship, PNLSC is here to support you. Join your local Nikkei-jin chapter today or visit PNLSC.org to learn how to begin your journey to reclaim your Japanese identity.