Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya met with Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, Ph.D., and other PSA senior officials on 12 February 2025 to discuss ongoing efforts to assist Filipino Nikkei-jin, descendants of Japanese nationals displaced in the Philippines after World War II.

During the meeting at the ambassador’s residence, both parties exchanged views on the current challenges faced by war-displaced Japanese descendants and reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating the process of nationality restoration for eligible individuals. The discussions also covered expanding Japan-Philippines cooperation in statistical development.

The Embassy of Japan reiterated its commitment to supporting the remaining Filipino Nikkei-jin, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to reclaim their Japanese nationality and arrange a smooth return to Japan.

Historical background

Following World War II, many Japanese nationals in the Philippines were forced to return to Japan, leaving behind their Filipino wives and children, now recognized as Filipino Nikkei-jin. Many of these individuals were left stateless, lacking proper documentation, and faced difficulties in nationality recognition.

To address this, the Government of Japan continues to provide legal assistance through the Philippine Nikkei-jin Legal Support Center, which is currently conducting the 18th Survey of Second-Generation Filipino Nikkei-jin. The initiative includes individual interviews for nationality acquisition, scheduled in various Philippine regions from May to July 2024.

Japanese authorities have encouraged these Nikkei-jin seeking to reclaim their nationality to come forward and submit relevant documents, including birth certificates, marriage records, and affidavits, to aid in their legal recognition.

For more information, visit the website of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.