ILOILO City – At Sunburst Park on Aug. 22, Iloilo City and the Panay Nikkei-Jin community marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, transforming memories of tragedy into lessons of peace and enduring partnership between the Philippines and Japan.
The commemoration, highlighted by the blessing and dedication of the restored Japanese War Dead Memorial, gathered Japanese Senator Ayaka Shiomura, Norihiro Inomata of the Philippine Nikkei-Jin Legal Support Center, surviving World War II veterans, Nikkei-Jin descendants, and former senator Franklin Drilon.
Mayor Raisa Treñas underscored the gathering’s deeper message: “We remember the immense sacrifices, the tragedies endured and the lessons learned from one of the darkest chapters of human history. This memorial stands not only as a tribute to lives lost but also as a reminder of the resilience of peoples and nations who chose reconciliation over bitterness, and peace over conflict.”
For Deputy Consul-General Toshio Yadomi of the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, the site reflects both sorrow and hope.
“The memorial reminds us of the tragic consequence of war. However, out of sorrow over the past, Japan and the Philippines have chosen the paths of friendship, reconciliation and peace. For me, that is the true meaning of today’s commemoration,” he said.
He stressed that the bilateral ties have since flourished into “one of the genuine partnerships, founded on mutual trust and cooperation.”
Panay Nikkei-Jin Inc. president Ma. Leah Takara de la Cruz said that beyond remembrance, the event was also part of their healing journey.
“There are still instances of discrimination, especially among the second generation,” she admitted, noting the continuing importance of solidarity among the estimated 70 Nikkei-Jin families in Iloilo and those still being traced in remote areas./PN
