Japan-led language classes seek to open up jobs for Nikkeijins

A huge volume of Japanese migrants moved to the Philippines during the pre-war period to work on road construction and abaca plantations, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA – A Japan Foundation-led language and cultural program is seen to expand job opportunities for Nikkeijins or Japanese descendants in the Philippines.

The foundation launched on Tuesday the six-month program, which will benefit about 21 descendants selected by Nikkeijin chapters across the Philippines.

“The objective of the course is to expand employment opportunities and to strengthen the network of Japanese descendant communities spread out across the Philippines,” Japan Foundation Director Tsutomu Suzuki said. “Through the course, the participants will learn Nihongo, their mother language, the Japanese culture, and meet fellow Nikkeijin and strengthen their collective identity.”

Daphne Miyagi, a fourth-generation descendant and member of the Negros Nikkeijin Kai Chapter, is excited to be part of the program, saying she sees it as an opportunity to deepen her knowledge of her ancestors’ language and culture.

Citing the shrinking working population in Japan, Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed hope that the students would pursue a career in the country eventually.

“(I)n order to deal with this pressing issue, Japan now welcomes and employed more workers from other Asian countries. If you’re interested, please come and work in Japan. For that reason, please learn Nihongo fast,” he said in a speech. “It is important to see and understand Japan with your own eyes. It will also be possible to trace your grandparents’ roots if you’re interested.”

Also virtually present during the program’s launch were Dr. Ines Yamanouchi Mallari, president of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, and Japan Foundation senior Japanese language education advisor Yuko Fujimitsu.

A huge volume of Japanese migrants moved to the Philippines during the pre-war period to work on road construction and abaca plantations, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

After World War II broke out, Japanese nationals were conscripted into the Japanese military and their children were left behind, mostly with their Filipino mothers.

Since conducting a Japan-commissioned survey in 1995, the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center has identified about 3,836 Japanese descendants across the country.