~“Nikkei” in Palau~ Interview Series: Vol.#17 Mr. Jerry Niheizy (Okiyama) Singeo

Mr. Singeo, now 53 years old is a Palauan of Japanese descent born to Isao Singeo and Yohana Tanaka. His father’s family name is originally Mr. Nishihama from Hachijojima, but he used ‘Singeo’. Mr. Singeo has four children and one of his children is currently studying for a Master’s degree at Soka University in Japan.
 
After completing his elementary education at Peleliu Elementary School he went to Palau Mission Academy and graduated in 1988. He went to Walla Walla Community College in Washington State to study engineering. After a year he returned to Palau and then decided to go to school in Japan. He went to Japan in 1992 and studied Japanese language at Bunka Institute of Language in Kawasaki city for one year. He stayed with his father’s uncle, Mr. Nishihama.
 
After returning from Japan, he worked at Palau Pacific Resort as a guest service staff for a while then he went to work as a police officer. He had to resign from his job as a police officer to help with his family business in Peleliu. While in Peleliu, Mr. Singeo helped “Ireidan” to guide when they would visit Peleliu from Japan. He currently has a small business making Peleliu’s famous snack called “karingto” .
 
Mr. Singeo has visited Japan several times to visit his uncle in Hachijojima. His last visit was in 2017. He really likes Japanese fruits, such as strawberries and mandarin or in Japanese “mikan.” His favorite Japanese foods are “yakiniku” and “sashimi”.
 
In celebrating the 30^th Anniversary he wants Japan and Palau to continue the good relationship for many years to come.