Ceremony to Commemorate the 120th Anniversary of  Japanese Immigration to the Philippines

Venue: Video Message

Dr. Ines Yamanouchi Mallari, President of the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai and participants. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for giving me the opportunity to address you at this ceremony commemorating the one hundred and twentieth anniversary of Japanese immigration to the Philippines. 

It is said that the relationship between the Philippines and Japan dates back to the mid-sixteenth century through trade, but I believe that the turning point was the immigration of many Japanese workers to Davao one hundred and twenty years ago. Those who settled in Davao at the time were warmly welcomed by the local people and worked hard together contributing to the promotion of the local industry, particularly the abaca industry. 

Yet, there was the unfortunate experience in the past between Japan and the Philippines. But our bilateral relationship today stands on mutual trust and continue as two important friendly countries sharing fundamental values. The Nippon Foundation has made efforts, as a private sector organization, to aim to strengthen our friendly relationship, such as capacity building, support for the persons with disabilities, disaster relief and the restoration of the Japanese family registry of the second-generation Japanese living in the Philippines.

We may not have been able to accomplish all our initiatives, due part to our inefficiency, but we will strive to continue to make efforts to further deepen our future-oriented relationship. Dear participants, I hope you will continue to fulfill your important position/as the bridge between our two countries. Thank you.