Special Interview: Ms. Katey “Ochob” Giraked

Ms. Katey “Ochob” Giraked, now 96 years old, is a “Palauan who speaks fluent Japanese.” She is the daughter of Mr. Ngiraked Tkel who was a Chief of Koror and Ms. Ebil Ruetei also from Ngerbeched, Koror. She was adopted to a Bilung (female traditional chief of Koror) at the time. Ms. Giraked has six children and many grand and great grandchildren.

Her family owns a land property known as Sakura-kai cemetery where Japanese people including Navy soldiers are buried and have provided much support and cooperation in maintaining the cemetery which is visited by many Japanese people. Even though Ms. Giraked is not of Japanese descent, she speaks the language fluently and is fond of Japanese culture. Ms. Giraked learned Japanese at elementary school, when Palau was still under the Japanese administration. She still remembers some Japanese children’s songs that she learned such as “yuyake koyake” and “Parao koishiya”.

Ms. Giraked hopes that Japan and Palau continue their “tokubetsu” friendship and good relations for many years to come.