~ “Nikkei” in Palau~ Interview Series: Vol.35 Ms. Hiromi Mariur Asanuma

Ms. Hiromi Mariur Asanuma, now 79 years old, is a Palauan of Japanese descent, commonly referred to as Nikkei. She is the daughter of Ms. Eyangel Mariur and Mr. Singeo Techong. Her father, Mr. Techong is half-Japanese and half-Palauan, which makes Ms. Hiromi Mariur Asanuma, third generation Japanese. On her mother’s side, she has German ancestry as her grandfather Mr. Mariur, was half-German.
 
Ms. Asanuma is the youngest of three siblings. Her late husband’s name is Mr. Kazuo Asanuma, son of a Japanese man, named Mr. Asao Asanuma. When the two married, she started to use her husband’s last name. They have five children and several grandchildren.
 
Growing up, Ms. Asanuma mostly lived with her grandfather, Mr. Mariur (former High Chief Ibedul), in Idid hamlet of Koror State. She began her education at Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School and later continued her studies abroad at John F. Kennedy High School in Guam. After completing her education, she returned to Palau, which at the time was still part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and governed by a District Administrator. Upon her return, Ms. Hiromi began working at the District Administrator’s office. She later joined the Commerce and Trade Branch of the government, where she worked for three decades until her retirement.
 
While Ms. Asanuma has yet to visit Japan, she has traveled to other countries, including the United States, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and many more. She enjoys Japanese food like sushi, miso soup, and umeboshi (pickled plum), which she often pairs with rice and whatever dish she is having. These days, her daily routine includes tending to her plants, cleaning around her home, taking morning walks, and spending time with her grandchildren. Back in the days, when Sakurakai Association was active, she would sometimes join their community activities. In the past, she hosted JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) volunteers and this year she hosted a Japanese student from Kyoto Sangyo University during her internship in Palau.
 
Ms. Asanuma shared her thoughts on the diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau which celebrated its 30^th Anniversary in 2024. She shared that the two countries have maintained good relations over the years, with Japan supporting Palau in many meaningful ways. She also noted the cultural similarities between the two nations, including shared foods and even similar words. She hopes these good relations can continue well into the future.