~“Nikkei” in Palau~Interview Series: Vol.8 Mr. Scott Yano

 Mr. Scott Yano is a Palauan of Japanese descent born to Mr. Takeo Yano and Ms. Yukie Yano. His paternal grandfather originally from Kamakura city of Kanagawa Prefecture served in the Japanese military. His maternal grandfather is also a Japanese and worked as a charcoal maker in Oikull, a town in Airai State. Mr. Yano hopes that someday he will be able to visit Kamakura, his grandfather`s birthplace.

Both of Mr. Yano`s parents were fluent in Japanese. His father Mr. Takeo, knew how to write in Kanji. Mr. Yano only learned basic Japanese while in Mindszenty High School. His mother Ms. Yukie, was good at making sushi and donuts. Mr. Yano recalls how hardworking his parents were and how their diligence had a great influence on him and his siblings. As a child, he had to walk to school and had regular chores such as gathering firewood. He considers himself to be lucky to have been born in the 1950’s because he learned the importance of working hard growing up in that era.

Now in his late 60`s, Mr. Yano`s believes that his determination to work hard and to make good choices in life are the results of his upbringing. These values helped him in his role in various fields, such as, Director of Koror State Cultural Affairs overseeing youth, culture and public health programs. He currently serves as a Board Member of Palau Community Health Advisory Board since 2006, and Belau National Museum since 1994. Mr. Yano is grateful for both sides of his ancestry and believes that respect and perseverance are embedded in both cultures which has helped him with the accomplishments in his life.

With the year 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, Mr. Yano believes that the ties between the two countries will remain unchanged. He would like for Japan and Palau to maintain a great relationship as they continue moving forward.