Dajabón, Dominican Republic.– The Migrantes documentary program received recognition from the Association of Japanese Descendants of Dajabón (Nikkei community) for its invaluable work in disseminating the legacy, history, and contributions of Japanese immigration in the Dominican Republic during the celebration of Dajapón Fest 2026.
The distinction was presented within the framework of the second edition of the festival, which this year coincided with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the first Japanese colony in Dajabón, a historical event that marked the beginning of a history of integration, work, and contributions to national development.
As part of the tribute, the Association of Japanese Descendants of Dajabón presented plaques of recognition to Millizen Uribe, journalist, host and co-producer of Migrantes, and to Gelen Gil, creator, conceptualizer and general producer of the project, for the work carried out in documenting and disseminating the history of the Japanese community in the Dominican Republic.
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The awards were presented by Omar Mukai, president of the Nikkei community, and Kathia Sarit de Mukai, president of the Dajabón Tourism Cluster.
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On the plaques, the organizing committee highlighted the “invaluable work in disseminating the legacy, history, and valuable contributions of Japanese immigrants in the Dominican Republic.” Likewise, it highlighted the commitment, dedication, and support of both communicators to “preserve, make visible, and honor the historical memory of the Japanese community, strengthening understanding, cultural integration, and the recognition of their contribution to the development of our country.”
During its first season, Migrantes dedicated one of its episodes to documenting the history of Japanese immigration in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the legacy of the families who settled in Dajabón and their contributions to agriculture, sports, and iconic institutions such as the National Botanical Garden.
Upon thanking for the distinction, Millizen Uribe expressed that the recognition constitutes an incentive to continue practicing journalism committed to rescuing historical memory and making the contributions of migrant communities visible.
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“This recognition reaffirms our conviction that stories told with respect, rigor, and sensitivity also build memory. We deeply appreciate the trust you placed in us to narrate such an important part of your legacy,” he/she stated.
For her part, Gelen Gil expressed that it is an honor for Migrantes to be part of the Japanese community in the Dominican Republic.
What is Migrantes?
Migrantes is a documentary production created, conceptualized, and produced by Gelen Gil, with Millizen Uribe as host and co-producer, dedicated to rescuing the stories of migrant communities established in the Dominican Republic and highlighting their identity, their memory, and their contributions to national development.
About Dajapón Fest
The DAJAPÓN Fest 2026 – 70th Anniversary Special Edition will be held on August 1st and 2nd at the Japanese Colony Park of La Vigía, in Dajabón, offering attendees an authentic Japanese experience without leaving the national territory. The program includes cultural, gastronomic, artistic, and recreational activities that bring the public closer to Japanese traditions and pay tribute to the families who established the first Japanese colony in the border province seven decades ago.
The inaugural event featured the participation of former president Hipólito Mejía; the Ambassador of Japan to the Dominican Republic, Hayakawa Osamu; the Minister of Culture, Roberto Ángel Salcedo; the senator for Dajabón, Manuel María Rodríguez Ortega; Congresswoman Darissa Zapata; national, provincial, and municipal authorities, as well as representatives of the Nikkei community.
