The Government of Japan announced on November 3, 2018 the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette on Retired Judge Antonina B. Oshita Escovilla.
Retired Judge Antonina B. Oshita Escovilla is a second generation Japanese descendant. She joined the “Philippine Nikkeijin Kai” to assist persecuted Japanese-descended Filipinos. She served as the legal adviser of the organization. While caring for the needs of the members, she investigated the ownership rights of the land possessed by Japanese ancestors and traced the roots of Japanese forefathers (for the recognition of Japanese nationality). She also exerted efforts in improving educational environment for children of Japanese descents, helped establish the identity of Japanese descendants and contributed to uplifting their status. Since 2011, as the President of the organization, she has continued to extend support to a huge number of Japanese descendants and has garnered the deep trust not only from Japanese descendants but also many other Filipinos.
In recognition of her contribution to the improvement of the status of Japanese descendants, including educational environment, and to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines, the Government of Japan confers “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette” to Retired Judge Antonina B. Oshita Escovilla.
