We received 34 applications of essays from 8 y/o to 90 y/o, 5th generation to 2nd generation, from both living in the Philippines and in Japan.Thank you very much to all who submitted the Essay.
All essays are excellent and full of learning.
Residence：Philippines (17), Japan (17)
Age range：under 15y/o (3), 16-19 y/o (6), 20-24 y/o (4), 25-29y/o (4), 30s (6), 40s (2), 50s (5), 60s (2), 80s (1), 90s (1)
Essay written in：Japanese(4), English(28), Filipino(2)
Generation: 2nd gen.(2), 3rd gen.(6), 4th&5th gen.(27)
* Here we consider those who migrated to the Philippines from japan before the war as 1st gen.
As a result of the online judging session on March 12,2024, the following essays won the following awards. Congratulations!💕🎉
＜Adult section＞—21applicants
Special Award:
RHODA JOYCE ALCAIDE MORANDARTE (4th gen. English essay)
Best Award:
NATSUMI UEMURA ATING (2nd gen. English）
Excellent Award:
MERA BASILIONA TAGUCHI（4th gen. English)
Fine Award:
ROEL G. LODRONIO (3rd gen. English)
AIKO MATSUMOTO (4th gen. English)
＜Youth Section＞—10 applicants
Special Award:
KINTARO GARTH BARTOLOME PADUA (5th gen. Japanese essay)
Best Award:
DIZZIREE MAE PALMA GIL (5th gen. Japanese)
Excellent Award:
GIANCARLO O.VILLACIN (5th gen. English)
Fine Award:
ZCHUSKU ZAYMUN A.LIBAGO (4th gen. English)
DESIREE B.PAULINO (5th gen. English)
KIM AIKO VILLAREAL (4th gen. Japanese)
＜Child Section＞—3 applicants
Best Award:
JOSHUA ALEBANGO PRILLA (5th gen. Japanese)
Excellent Award:
JUS KENZO TAKUMI (4th gen. English)
Fine Award:
VEN KENRI S. AUSTERO (4th gen. English)
<Comment from the judges>
—–Personally I was inclined to give higher points to the older participants, paticulally 2nd generation, because the kind of information and the sentiments who directly experienced the communication with their 1st gen fathers and also the war experiences are something that I strongly believe to be handed on to the next generation, otherwise that memory and experiences as narrated by themselves will disappear once they were gone.
Prof.Michiyo Yoneno-Reyes (University of Shizuoka)
—-For the case of Hawaii, Canada or other countries, Nikkeijin identities have disappeared or not so much existed after 4th generation. But in this contest, even 4th or 5th generation Nikkeijin also joined and they are also forming Nikkeijin identities for very young generations.It was an interesting point for me. I also learned that even young Nikkei generations have inherited a stigma caused by Japanese military occupationas during WWⅡ.
Affiliated Prof. Shun Ohno (The Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University)
—–I think these essays made them curious about where they really came from, and they really researched on their own family background and be aware of the idaentity as Nikkeijin. I hope this exercise would have succeeded at least on their part to be more aware of their identity and their background, and this project could give birth to more interesting and more substantive project for PNLSC.
Ms. Bituin Shimada(Court interpreter/President of Kakehashi)
—–From those essays I found the variety of the perspectives from the 2nd generation up to the younger generation.They all shared heartfelt stories. 2nd generation shared their past experiences while the youger ones wrote how they are trying to accept the situation and realization.Both are equally good.
Consul Mary Joy Ramirez (deputation of H.E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano –Philippines Ambassador to Japan)
—–This essay contest was really challenge for nikkeijin, especially for young generations to share their perspective on what is to be a nikkeijin.
Some Nikkeijin eventually found work in Japan, talked about their dilemma of being Filipino and being a Nikkeijin. It is quite interesting for me because they have varied perspective and very touching also. From some of the essays, we see the harsh realities when they started working in Japan.
Atty. Josue Sim Zuniega (Legal counsel of PNLSC Inc.)
—–What was an eye opener for me was those essays written by the Nisei or 2nd generations. They articulated well their ideas despite the fact that there was no questions coming from us. It was really free flow ideas and impactful stories that they openly shared to all of us. It was a woundaful learning experience for me. I appreciate also the stories shared by younger generations, and the experiences that they had, including their hardships. Even though they encountered so many challenges, they conquered it all and are doing their best, so their outlooks are still positive. It is indeed quite amazing.
Dr. Ines Mallari (President of Philippines Nikkei-jin-kai Rengokai)
—–All the essays are interesting and I was able to get a better understanding on the present situation of Nikkeijin,including young generation. Thank you very much and more power to all !
Atty. Hiroyuki Kawai (PNLSC representative of the board)
◎Thank you very much to all participants for your hard work and enthusiasm. Also thank you for the generous sponsors who gave donation for the prizes, and to the Panel of Judges for your full support in this contest.