~“Nikkei” in Palau~ Interview Series: Vol.5 Mr. Haruo Willter
2023/10/9
Mr. Haruo Willter is a Palauan of Japanese descent. He held a variety of positions over the years, including Deputy Director of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) office in Koror for a number of years. In 1958, he started working for the TTPI administration in Guam and Saipan where he held several roles in budget and finance. Mr. Willter participated in both the first and second Palauan constitutional conventions which were held in 1979 and 2005, respectively.
A prominent figure in Palauan civil service and politics, Mr. Willter left a lasting legacy rooted in his deep connection to both Palauan and Japanese heritage. Mr. Willter is now 86 years old. Born to a mother of Palauan and Japanese ancestry, Mr. Willter's cultural background was a blend of two rich traditions. His family lineage traced back to his Japanese grandfather, Mr. Kyota Saburo, who greatly influenced Mr. Haruo’s upbringing.
At the age of nine, Mr. Willter received a piece of advice from his Japanese grandfather that would profoundly influence his outlook on life: "Learn to use what you have and always give your best, strive for that extra 110%." This wise saying instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to success, qualities he consistently upheld throughout his professional career.
Among his cherished memories was a trip to Japan, where he had the opportunity to play golf near Mt. Fuji. This experience not only brought him closer to his Japanese roots but also symbolized his love for the sport and his appreciation for the beauty of both Palau and Japan.
Mr. Willter's vision for Palau's future is deeply rooted in preserving the essence of the nation. He strongly believes in protecting Palau's culture, language, and traditional practices as they are the heart and soul of the nation. In addition, he is dedicated to upholding the constitution of Palau, ensuring that the principles and values it embodied would continue to guide the nation towards prosperity and unity.
Mr. Willter's life story serves as a commitment to the importance of embracing one's heritage, working diligently, and striving for the betterment of one's homeland. His dedication to the preservation of Palauan culture and values will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to cherish and protect their unique identity.
A prominent figure in Palauan civil service and politics, Mr. Willter left a lasting legacy rooted in his deep connection to both Palauan and Japanese heritage. Mr. Willter is now 86 years old. Born to a mother of Palauan and Japanese ancestry, Mr. Willter's cultural background was a blend of two rich traditions. His family lineage traced back to his Japanese grandfather, Mr. Kyota Saburo, who greatly influenced Mr. Haruo’s upbringing.
At the age of nine, Mr. Willter received a piece of advice from his Japanese grandfather that would profoundly influence his outlook on life: "Learn to use what you have and always give your best, strive for that extra 110%." This wise saying instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to success, qualities he consistently upheld throughout his professional career.
Among his cherished memories was a trip to Japan, where he had the opportunity to play golf near Mt. Fuji. This experience not only brought him closer to his Japanese roots but also symbolized his love for the sport and his appreciation for the beauty of both Palau and Japan.
Mr. Willter's vision for Palau's future is deeply rooted in preserving the essence of the nation. He strongly believes in protecting Palau's culture, language, and traditional practices as they are the heart and soul of the nation. In addition, he is dedicated to upholding the constitution of Palau, ensuring that the principles and values it embodied would continue to guide the nation towards prosperity and unity.
Mr. Willter's life story serves as a commitment to the importance of embracing one's heritage, working diligently, and striving for the betterment of one's homeland. His dedication to the preservation of Palauan culture and values will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to cherish and protect their unique identity.