A Japanese Filipino Overjoyed to Meet Their Majesties
Their Majesties Emperor and Empress of Japan currently on an official tour of the Philippines met January 28 eighty-six of Japanese Filipinos who have survived years of hardship. Their visit particularly impressed on an aged Japanese-Filipino Carlos Teraoka, 85, whose father had come from Yamaguchi.
"I've always been proud of having Japanese blood in my veins and now that I've met Their Majesties I can't think of any greater honor", comments Carlos Teraoka.
His father Muneo Teraoka came to the Philippines at age 19, married Carlos' mother Antonina and settled in Baguio. They had six children including Carlos. His father died of illness in August, 1941.
The war broke out and Japanese troops moved in. "The Japanese school in Baguio taught the children to pay tribute to the image of the Japanese Emperor to pledge to devote their lives", recalls Carlos Teraoka.
In January 1945, the Americans landed in Luzon. Both his elder brothers were killed, the elder brother was by Japanese military police on suspicion of fraud and another by Filipino guerilla. The rest of his family abandoned the house April 23 night and fled into the jungles. The following morning a heavy bombardment from US warships killed his mother, young brother and sister. Carlos survived with his young sister Marie.
Carlos was imprisoned in September. He recalls cussing words and stones thrown at him as he was moved to the concentration camp. In October, he was sent to Japan on board a repatriation ship and settled in his grandfather's home. Treated an alien without citizenship, Carlos chose to return to the Philippines, disguised to tide over the days amid discrimination against the Japanese.
Years after, Carlos Teraoka distinguished himself as an industrialist in forestry. He served for 15 years as Honorary Consulate General in Baguio serving the Japanese community. "Just to prove to be a Japanese, I acquired Japanese nationality", Carlos says.
His sister Marie passed away 5 years ago and Carlos Teraoka is now leading a peaceful life on a farm in Luzon.
News Source: Jiji Press