MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a meaningful show of solidarity and shared heritage, Senator Raffy Tulfo, a third-generation Nikkei-jin and one of the leading candidates for the next Philippine presidency, welcomed Councilor Ayaka Shiomura of Japan to his Senate office on Monday, August 18, 2025, together with representatives from the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center (PNLSC).
The Japanese delegation was composed of Mr. Norihiro Inomata, Representative Director of PNLSC; Professor Shun Ohno, PNLSC Board Member; and Atty. Zuniega, Legal Counsel. The courtesy visit marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in identifying and supporting Nikkei-jin descendants, those born to Japanese nationals and Filipino partners during and after World War II.
A Shared Mission to Reconnect Japanese Descendants
During the meeting, Senator Tulfo expressed deep interest and empathy upon learning that over 3,000 Japanese descendants remain unaccounted for in the Philippines, many of whom still struggle with questions of identity and recognition.
“I want to help the Japanese government to find these remaining Japanese descendants. I want to do everything possible to help them,” said Senator Tulfo.
He further revealed his intention to pursue legislation that would aid in locating, identifying, and supporting surviving Nikkei-jin in the Philippines, in collaboration with both the Japanese and Philippine governments. Such a measure would represent a groundbreaking policy initiative to officially recognize descendants of Japanese nationals who were left behind following the war.
A Personal Connection to Japan
The visit took on a more personal tone with the presence of Ms. Pacita “Chit” Teshiba Aguirre, a second-generation Nikkei-jin and aunt of Senator Tulfo—the youngest sister of his mother, Caridad Tulfo. Ms. Aguirre shared her lifelong dream of locating her Japanese father and reuniting with her relatives in Japan.
In response, Mr. Norihiro Inomata of PNLSC assured her of the organization’s full cooperation and assistance in tracing her Japanese lineage.
Cultural Heritage and Public Service
Senator Tulfo spoke with pride about the Japanese values he inherited from his mother, emphasizing how these principles shaped his identity and leadership style.
“Generosity, respect, honesty, and helpfulness to others. Those are traits I learned from my Japanese side. These are what make me who I am as a public servant,” Tulfo shared.
His reflections resonated with the Japanese officials present, underscoring how the Nikkei-jin legacy continues to influence Filipino society in subtle but profound ways.
PNLSC Welcomes Government Collaboration
Professor Shun Ohno of PNLSC expressed optimism that Senator Tulfo’s declaration of support would encourage greater recognition of the Nikkei-jin issue at the national level.
“Support from influential leaders like Senator Tulfo provides significant momentum toward resolving the long-standing issue of Japanese descendants. This is truly a race against time,” said Prof. Ohno.
PNLSC continues to coordinate with local Nikkei-jin organizations, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, and government agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to help descendants trace their Japanese ancestry and, where applicable, restore their citizenship through legal means.
A Symbol of Friendship and Reconnection
This meeting stands as a symbol of renewed collaboration and compassion between Japan and the Philippines, bridging generations of shared history. With influential figures like Senator Tulfo showing personal and political support, the path toward recognizing and reuniting Japanese descendants in the Philippines grows clearer and stronger.