Nikkeijins in PH to get Japanese language, cultural lessons

In Davao, the Nikkeijin history dates back to 1903 when Japanese Suda Ryosuke brought in the first batch of Japanese nationals to engage in abaca production in the province. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA— The Japan Foundation in Manila is launching a six-month Nihongo language and cultural course for Nikkeijins or Japanese descendants in the Philippines.

The foundation will launch the project together with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai next week.

At least 21 Nikkeijins were selected from Davao, General Santos, Cotabato, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Palawan, and Metro Manila.

“With the aims of expanding employment opportunities in and outside the Philippines and strengthening the network of Nikkeijin communities across the country, the course will provide online Japanese language and cultural lessons for twice a week for a period of six months starting from September 2022 to March 2023,” the Japan Foundation said Saturday.

The opening ceremony on September 6 will be attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai president Ines Yamanouchi Mallari.

Nikkeijins are descendants of Japanese nationals who migrated to the Philippines during the pre-war period for work or business and eventually settled in the country.

In Davao, the Nikkeijin history dates back to 1903 when Japanese Suda Ryosuke brought in the first batch of Japanese nationals to engage in abaca production in the province.