Key Facts
• Ayaka Shiomura visited the Philippines for an official inspection in mid-August 2025.
• She reported visiting a Freemason landmark, gaining special entry permission.
• Shiomura noted differences in Freemason perceptions between Japan and the Philippines.
• She met with second-generation Japanese residents and Filipino lawmakers.
• Highlighted the struggles of second-generation Japanese on Malapingan Island, living without electricity.
• Expressed concerns about statelessness among second-generation Japanese residents.
• Plans to visit Palawan to encourage nationality restoration efforts.
• Marked 80 years since World War II, emphasizing unresolved post-war issues.
Summary
Ayaka Shiomura, a member of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party, visited the Philippines in August 2025 for an official inspection. During her visit, she reported on social media about entering a Freemason landmark, noting the organization’s contrasting public perception in the Philippines compared to Japan. Shiomura also met with second-generation Japanese residents, including those on Malapingan Island, who face challenges such as statelessness and lack of basic utilities. She expressed concerns about their living conditions and the lingering effects of World War II, 80 years later. Shiomura plans to visit Palawan to support efforts for nationality restoration, highlighting the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities.
