~ “Nikkei” in Palau~ Interview Series: Vol.# 25 Ms. Ebil Akitaya Inabo

Ms. Ebil Akitaya Inabo, now 72 years old, is a Palauan of Japanese descent, “Nikkei.” She is the only daughter of Mr. Inabo Katsumi and Ms. Toshie Akitaya, a half Japanese. Ms. Toshie Akitaya`s father is a Japanese man by the name of Manjiro Akitaya from Kanagawa Prefecture. She has three children and five grandchildren and many relatives from her mother’s side who are Nikkei.
 
Ms. Ebil's mother passed away when she was only two years old, so she was raised by her father and grandparents. She attended Mindszenty High School until her senior year, when she transferred to and graduated from Palau High School.
 
In 1981, Ms. Ebil traveled to Japan for the first time to visit her relatives in Yokohama and Yokosuka. These relatives were her mother's half-siblings. This trip marked the first of many visits to Japan, where she would reconnect with her family and explore the country.
 
On her first visit she went to see her uncle and other family members. Before her return to Palau she had decided to stop by Saipan. Her short visit morphed into her staying and working in the country for 14 years building a life for herself and her children. Ms. Ebil had worked at the Duty Free Shop in the Saipan Airport and at the same time was also working at a bank.
 
Ms. Ebil visited Japan and had the opportunity to visit the Imperial Palace during the Emperor`s birthday ceremony. She told us that her favorite place that she visited was a big zoo in Tokyo, but was unable to remember the name. She said “I saw many big animals…many I had never seen before” so it was a very exciting and memorable visit for her. Ms. Ebil also visited a ship museum in Yokosuka, went to a cherry blossom viewing (hanami), visited street markets, and attended festivals (matsuri). In 2001, she took her uncle Toshiwo and her cousin Ryoko “Piongk” Ngirutang to Japan to visit their relatives. 
 
Ms. Ebil is planning to visit Japan in May 2025 with her grandchildren. On her upcoming trip with her grandchildren, she wants to take them to the same places she visited when she was younger. 
 
We asked Ms. Ebil what she thought about Japan and Palau diplomatic relations and if she sees any similarities between the two countries. Ms. Ebil said that she sees the similarity in Japanese and Palauan culture in how we respect others, especially our elders. She appreciates Japan`s many assistance to Palau and hopes that the friendship between Japan and Palau to continue for many years.