Return to Japan of Ms. Koyama, a Japanese Left Behind after World War II

2023/9/11
As the first case under the Immigration Memorandum Circular No. 2023-004: “Guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-jin”, Ms. Margarita Hiroko KOYAMA, a Japanese left behind after the World War II, has departed Philippines and arrived in Japan on September 10, 2023.
 
 

 

Ms. Koyama has restored her Japanese nationality in 2017 and obtained her Japanese passport in 2019, however due to the possibility of being imposed of large amount of fines and fees by the Philippine Immigration, she was unable to return to Japan for many years. In July this year, with the understanding and cooperation of the Philippine Government, Immigration Memorandum Circular No. 2023-004:“Guidelines on Philippine Nikkei-jin” was implemented. Marking the first case under the memorandum, she has safely departed the Philippines on September 10 without paying the fines and fees. She plans to stay in Japan for several months.

Prior to the departure from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, she held a press conference and cheerfully talked about her past hardships and her joy of being able to return to Japan. (Press conference venue: provided by Hotel Okura Manila)
 
Embassy of Japan will continue to provide utmost support to as many as possible remaining Japanese descendants, in order for them to swiftly restore Japanese nationality and return to Japan smoothly.