Japanese language, cultural lessons for Nikkeijins in PH
The Japan Foundation in Manila is offering a six-month Nihongo language and cultural course for Japanese descendants in the Philippines, also known as “Nikkeijins.”
The initiative will be introduced by the foundation and the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai the following week.
From Davao, General Santos, Cotabato, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Palawan, and Metro Manila, at least 21 Nikkeijins were chosen.
“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.
Kazuhiko Koshikawa, the Japanese ambassador to the Philippines, and Ines Yamanouchi Mallari, the president of the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai, will both be present at the inauguration ceremony on September 6.
The descendants of Japanese nationals who came to the Philippines before World War II for employment or commercial purposes and subsequently stayed there are known as Nikkeijins.
The Nikkeijin community in Davao dates back to 1903, when Japanese Suda Ryosuke brought the first group of Japanese citizens to the province to work in the abaca industry.
