Celebrating Reiwa & 100 years of Davao-Japanese relations ~ D' Durian Daily

The Consulate General of Japan in Davao recently hosted a reception for two significant events– the Enthronement of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and the 100^thanniversary of the Davao Japanese community.

On May 1, 2019, Japan ushered the new Imperial Era, “Reiwa”, meaning “beautiful harmony.” This was when the HM Emperor Nahurito acceded to the throne after the abdication of HM Emperor Akihito from the Imperial Throne.

Consul General Miwa said in his address that during the 30-year era of Emperor Akihito, relations between Japan and the Philippines were greatly strengthened. For this, he extended his gratitude to the Filipinos who supported the past era.

“I am confident that the beautiful harmony, which is the essence of Reiwa, will continue to flourish in both our countries as we work together and further advance the Philippine-Japan strategic partnership,” said Miwa.

Glasses were also raised to salute the 100 years of the Davao Japanese community. It was in 1903 when the first group of 30 Japanese immigrants arrived in Davao to work in an agricultural plantation engaged in the production of abaca. This started the influx of immigrants to the city.

In 1918, the Davao Japanese Association was organized, and two years after, in 1920, the Japanese consulate was established. Davao was known as the “Little Tokyo” when the Japanese community grew to twenty thousand at its peak.

Ambassador Uriel Garibay, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Mindanao, extended the Philippines’ warmest felicitations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on his ascension to the Chrysanthemum throne and joins the Japanese people in welcoming the Reiwa era. The DFA conveys the Philippines’ wishes for Japan’s success and the sustained momentum of the strengthened strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Through Councilor Mabel Acosta, Mayor Sara Duterte sent her message, “A centennial of friendship built in confidence is what brings us together tonight, a friendship that has led to numerous promising engagements both in our homeland and yours. Thus, Davao City is eternally grateful to Emperor Akihito for his warm reception of Davao and Japan’s bilateral relations for the past years. Tonight, we also rejoice with you for the enthronement of Crown Prince Naruhito, whom we believe would deliver an outstanding leadership like his father, the outgoing emperor. We are in high hopes that our friendship with Japan will continue to blossom under the new emperor’s reign.”