Left behind in the Philippines: A decades-long quest for Japanese citizenshipーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Japanese Citizenship for War Children: The plight of Filipino-Japanese children born during and after WWII, lacking documentation to prove their lineage.
• Myanmar’s Political & Economic Situation: The impact of the 2021 military coup on foreign investment, particularly from Japan.
• Japanese Investment in Myanmar: The Tilawa Special Economic Zone and the challenges faced by Japanese companies post-coup.
• Business Continuity vs. Ethical Concerns: The dilemma faced by companies deciding whether to remain in Myanmar despite the political instability and potential complicity with the military regime.

Roselina Ka and the Search for Japanese Recognition

Roselina Ka, a 95-year-old Filipino woman, is currently visiting Japan for the first time, facilitated by government support. Her case highlights the decades-long struggle faced by approximately 50 individuals in the Philippines who were born to Filipino mothers and Japanese fathers during and after World War II. At the time of their birth, these children were considered Japanese citizens. However, the disappearance of their Japanese fathers amidst the chaos of the war, coupled with the loss of crucial documentation proving their parentage, led to a loss of recognized citizenship. Ka’s mother always desired to visit her father’s hometown in Japan, a wish now being fulfilled. Ka plans to visit her father’s grave in Tottori Prefecture. She recalls a single meeting with her father when she was around 10 years old; he worked as a farmer on Mindanao Island and was largely absent from her life. Her statement, “At last, a day has come. We are very excited but also nervous,” encapsulates the emotional weight of this long-awaited journey.

Myanmar’s Post-Coup Economic Landscape & Japanese Investment

The recent general election in Myanmar, orchestrated by the ruling military junta, is not expected to gain international recognition, likely resulting in the continuation of economic sanctions. This situation presents significant challenges for Japanese companies operating within the country. Prior to the February 2021 coup, Myanmar was attracting substantial foreign investment, described as “Asia’s last frontier.” Over 400 Japanese companies had entered the Myanmar market. However, the military takeover severely disrupted the economy and dampened investor enthusiasm.

The Tilawa Special Economic Zone, near Yangon, serves as a key example of Japanese investment in Myanmar. Developed through joint efforts between Japanese public and private sectors, it once represented a promising opportunity.

Oshima Noki: A Case Study in Business Continuity

Oshima Noki, an agricultural machinery manufacturer from Niigata Prefecture, established operations in the Tilawa Special Economic Zone in 2018, producing rice-drying machines for the Myanmar market. The company initially employed over 30 people, but its workforce has since decreased to around 20 due to a significant decline in orders following the coup. According to company representatives, “After the coup, the areas where we could try to make sales became extremely limited. Sometimes we couldn't even reach our destinations, and in other places, fighting was breaking out. To protect the safety of our employees, we had no choice but to stop sales operations.”

Oshima Noki is now actively seeking new business opportunities, leveraging its technical expertise to produce items like simple shelving and sheet metal products. They are attempting to diversify beyond their original product line to remain viable.

Risks and Considerations for Japanese Companies

Experts suggest that the election results are unlikely to stabilize the political situation in Myanmar. A primary concern for companies is the risk of criticism for maintaining ties with the military regime or engaging in business that directly benefits it. As stated by an expert, “The greatest concern has been the risk of being criticized for their ties to the military regime or for conducting business that benefits it. That has been a major risk up to now and I expect it will continue.”

The difficulty of re-entering the Myanmar market once a company withdraws is also highlighted. The question of whether continued operation at a loss is justifiable is raised, with the implication that it likely isn’t. The report concludes that Myanmar’s future appeal to international businesses is now highly uncertain. Chola Pansan, reporting from Bangkok for NHK World, delivered this assessment.