Imperial Couple depart for Philippines in first-ever official visit by reigning emperor

[Pinoy]

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko board a special flight Tuesday at Tokyo's Haneda airport for their visit to the Philippines. | REUTERS

AP, JIJI, KYODO
The Japan Times
JAN 26, 2016

ARTICLE HISTORY

Emperor Akihito said Tuesday that Japan must remember the tremendous loss of life in the Philippines during World War II, as he and Empress Michiko embarked for a four-day visit to the Southeast Asian country.

It is the first-ever official visit by a reigning Japanese emperor to the Philippines, where around 1.1 million Filipinos and some 518,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians perished during the war.

The Imperial Couple visited the Philippines in 1962 when they were Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

“Many Filipinos, Americans and Japanese lost their lives in the Philippines during the war,” the Emperor said in a short statement he read before departing from Tokyo. “Especially in the battle in Manila, a tremendously large number of innocent Filipino civilians were victims. Upon making this visit, we need to bear this in mind at all times.”

Japan occupied the Philippines during World War II. The 1945 battle for Manila between the Japanese and U.S. and Philippine forces leveled the city.

The return of the Emperor, 82, and the Empress, 81, after more than half a century comes at the invitation of Philippine President Benigno Aquino, extended during his state visit to Japan last June.

The trip was arranged on the occasion of the two countries marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties in July.

The Emperor’s father, Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, was commander in chief of the Japanese military before and during the war and Japanese soldiers at the time fought and died in his name.

In the twilight of his reign, the Emperor has been traveling with the Empress to places devastated by the war at home and abroad, including Saipan, one of the Northern Mariana Islands, in 2005 and Palau last year, in commemoration of the 60th and 70th anniversaries of the conflict’s end in 1945.

While the Emperor and Empress have previously traveled to countries hard hit by Japan’s wartime aggression, including China and some other Southeast Asian nations since they ascended the throne in 1989, the Philippines has been one of a few affected nations not visited by the Imperial Couple.

The Imperial Japanese Army launched airstrikes on the Philippines, then a U.S. colony, on Dec. 8, 1941 (Dec. 7 Hawaiian time), the same day Japan attacked Peal Harbor in Hawaii, marking the start of the Pacific phase of World War II.

Japan occupied Manila in January 1942, but local residents continued to resist the move through guerrilla fighting. A month of Japan-U.S. fighting in Manila from February 1945 claimed the lives of around 100,000 Filipino civilians.

Imperial family members, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, saw the couple off at Haneda airport in Tokyo. The Emperor and Empress were scheduled to meet Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers after arriving in Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, they are scheduled to attend a welcoming ceremony at Malacanang Palace in the capital and meet Aquino in the morning, and visit a cemetery for Filipino victims to lay flowers in the afternoon. After that, they will return to the palace to attend a banquet.

On Thursday, the couple are expected to meet people of Japanese descent living in the Philippines.

On Friday, they will travel by helicopter to Caliraya, about 65 km southeast of their accommodations in Manila, and lay flowers at a monument installed by the Japanese government to commemorate the war dead, before returning to Japan the following day.

Former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura will serve as principal attendant.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...official-visit-reigning-emperor/#.Vqds2VV97nB

 

[Pinoy]

Arrival of the Emperor and Empress of Japan

Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor Akihito and the Empress Michiko of Japan arrived in Manila today for a five-day state visit. They were welcomed by a delegation led by President Benigno S. Aquino III at the AGES Aviation Center, Balabag Ramp, Pasay City.

 

[Cossack25A1]

What does our resident Sinophile Filipino has to say about this news?

 

[Pinoy]

LOOK: Japanese imperial couple in 1962 visit to Manila



Japan Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko during their state visit to the Philippines in 1962


Crown Prince Akihito of Japan is greeted by President Diosdado Macapagal (left) and Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez


Crown Princess Michiko with First Lady Eva Macapagal and daughter Gloria Macapagal

Crown Prince Akihito gives a speech upon his arrival in Manila in 1962.

Crown Prince Akihito is conferred the Order of Sikatuna by President Diosdado Macapagal. On the first night of his 5-day State Visit to the Philippines, Crown Prince Akihito of Japan was conferred the Order of Sikatuna, rank of Raja, by President Diosdado Macapagal.

Crown Prince Akihito raises the right arm of former President Emilio Aguinaldo at the Independence Balcony of the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite during the Crown Prince’s state visit on November 5-10, 1962. In the photo: Irene Viola-Roces, Crown Prince Akihito, President Aguinaldo, and Crown Princess Michiko, and Secretary of Education Alejandro Roces. (Photo from Manila Bulletin, courtesy of Dr. Emilio C. Yap III)

 

[Aepsilons]

This picture is a gem , truly. I did not know The Emperor had met President Aguinaldo then. The First President of the Republic of Philippines !

FYI, do you know how 'favored' and 'well known' Aguinaldo was to the Emperor Meiji?

Arrival of the Emperor and Empress of Japan

Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor Akihito and the Empress Michiko of Japan arrived in Manila today for a five-day state visit. They were welcomed by a delegation led by President Benigno S. Aquino III at the AGES Aviation Center, Balabag Ramp, Pasay City.

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たくさんのあいをこめて！

 

[Pinoy]

This picture is a gem , truly. I did not know The Emperor had met President Aguinaldo then. The First President of the Republic of Philippines !

FYI, do you know how 'favored' and 'well known' Aguinaldo was to the Emperor Meiji?

Hmm it's no surprise 'cos he was a pro-Japanese. He bore a grudge against the Americans, and even made an impassioned plea and urged Mac Arthur to surrender during the war.

 

[Pinoy]

Dinner hosted by Pres & Mrs Macapagal, Malacañang Palace


Prince Akihito confers the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum to President Macapagal


Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum conferred to Pres Macapagal by Prince Akihito


Prince Akihito visiting the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers Fort Santiago, Manila


Prince Akihito review the cadet corp of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City



Prince Akihito, Princess Michiko, former Pres. Aguinaldo and his wife at the balcony of Aguinaldo mansion where the first independence was proclaimed in Kawit Cavite

 

[Aepsilons]

Hmm it's no surprise 'cos he was a pro-Japanese. He bore a grudge against the Americans, and even made an impassioned plea and urged Mac Arthur to surrender during the war.

Well considering the dear, ardent, and nationalist fight he and many of the Filipino general staff as well as the bulk of the Tiera de Revolucion de las Republica Filipinas made against the Americans during the Filipino-American War of 1898-1901, yes. In fact it as your country that was the first republic in Asia. Had the Americans not extinguished the Filipino fledgling democracy.

Viva Las Republica de Islas Filipinas !

Prince Akihito confers the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum to President Macapagal

And 6 laters, the same President Macapagal visited Tokyo in 1968 and met the Emperor Showa [His living reigning name was Emperor Hirohito]

 

[Pinoy]

Well considering the dear, ardent, and nationalist fight he and many of the Filipino general staff as well as the bulk of the Tiera de Revolucion de las Republica Filipinas made against the Americans during the Filipino-American War of 1898-1901, yes. In fact it as your country that was the first republic in Asia. Had the Americans not extinguished the Filipino fledgling democracy.

Viva Las Republica de Islas Filipinas !


And 6 laters, the same President Macapagal visited Tokyo in 1968 and met the Emperor Showa [His living reigning name was Emperor Hirohito]

True we were the first Asian country to form a nation (the short lived Republic of the Philippines). Even though the US calls it Philippine Insurrection because they don't recognize it. That’s why I understand how Aguinaldo became pro-Japanese during WW2. Japan promised him liberation of our country from the US. He felt deceived by the Americans, right after Spanish-American war. The US bought our country from Spain at a time when he declared independence in 1898 and that’s how Filipino-American War commenced immediately thereafter. Outgunned and outclassed while fighting the Americans, he chose to surrender instead.


UPDATES: Aquino welcomes emperor, empress of Japan in Malacañang Palace

Japanese Emperor Akihito waits for Empress Michiko after they are invited into the Malacañang Palace

 

[Cossack25A1]

True we were the first Asian country to form a nation (the short lived Republic of the Philippines). Even though the US calls it Philippine Insurrection because they don't recognize it. That’s why I understand how Aguinaldo became pro-Japanese during WW2. Japan promised him liberation of our country from the US. He felt deceived by the Americans, right after Spanish-American war. The US bought our country from Spain at a time when he declared independence in 1898 and that’s how Filipino-American War commenced immediately thereafter. Outgunned and outclassed while fighting the Americans, he chose to surrender instead.


UPDATES: Aquino welcomes emperor, empress of Japan in Malacañang Palace

Japanese Emperor Akihito waits for Empress Michiko after they are invited into the Malacañang Palace

Kaya pala sarado ang Mendiola nung napadaan ako kanina sa lugar na iyan.

Well considering the dear, ardent, and nationalist fight he and many of the Filipino general staff as well as the bulk of the Tiera de Revolucion de las Republica Filipinas made against the Americans during the Filipino-American War of 1898-1901, yes. In fact it as your country that was the first republic in Asia. Had the Americans not extinguished the Filipino fledgling democracy.

Aside from the Americans, it was the Filipino elite's petty self interest that destroyed the Malolos republic, something that still continues to this day.

Andwhile it was called "First Philippine Republic", it was only in name as there are also the "Republic of Negros", "Republic of Zamboanga" and Sultanate of Sulu; the First PH Republic didn't technically controlled the whole archipelago.

 

[Aepsilons]

Andwhile it was called "First Philippine Republic", it was only in name as there are also the "Republic of Negros", "Republic of Zamboanga" and Sultanate of Sulu; the First PH Republic didn't technically controlled the whole archipelago.

Yes, i do recollect that. However, we have to be amazed that before the initation of the Filipino-American War of 1898, the Philippine Republic (under Aguinaldo) had fielded a standing army (Ejército Revolucionario Filipino) or the Filipino Revolutionary Army of some 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers , which it had successfully deployed earlier during the 1896 Revolution against Spain, which the Filipino Army successfully defeated every single Spanish bastion.

My opinion: had the United States not interferred with Manila during this delicate period, I believe the 1st Republic would have mobilized the Army to reign in control throughout the Islands. Manila would have utilized legitimacy as being the Seat of Power of the Philippine Spanish Colony during the colonial period.

I would even have deigned to predict that had Manila successfully brought to heel all her insular provinces by the early 20th century, an independent Filipinas would have probably moved south to seize British possessions in Borneo, and would have spearheaded a 'Malaya' campaign. Remember that one of the key leaders of early Filipino nationalist history was Dr. Rizal , who was a keen believer in a unified Malay Archipelago.

Anyways, the Revolutionary Filipino Army was a well trained, disciplined force. Their officer cadre were trained under Spanish military doctrine , and so were the soldiers. Probably one of the earliest forms of a modern army in the region:

@Cossack25A1 @Pinoy --- gents, let me ask you a question --- do you two speak Spanish? Is Spanish spoken still in the Philippines?

Have been listening to the national anthem of the Philippines --- seems like there is a certain passion one can feel when listening to the Spanish version vs the Filipino Version of "Tierra Adorada" or "Lupang Hinirang"

 

[Cossack25A1]

@Cossack25A1 @Pinoy --- gents, let me ask you a question --- do you two speak Spanish? Is Spanish spoken still in the Philippines?

Have been listening to the national anthem of the Philippines --- seems like there is a certain passion one can feel when listening to the Spanish version vs the Filipino Version of "Tierra Adorada" or "Lupang Hinirang"

No, I don't/can't speak Spanish.

ASpanish is a "mostly dead" language - Chavacano language is the nearest thing to Spanish language here in the Philippines while many local dialects have borrowed words from Spanish language though some have different meaning.

Yes, i do recollect that. However, we have to be amazed that before the initation of the Filipino-American War of 1898, the Philippine Republic (under Aguinaldo) had fielded a standing army (Ejército Revolucionario Filipino) or the Filipino Revolutionary Army of some 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers , which it had successfully deployed earlier during the 1896 Revolution against Spain, which the Filipino Army successfully defeated every single Spanish bastion.

My opinion: had the United States not interferred with Manila during this delicate period, I believe the 1st Republic would have mobilized the Army to reign in control throughout the Islands. Manila would have utilized legitimacy as being the Seat of Power of the Philippine Spanish Colony during the colonial period.

I would even have deigned to predict that had Manila successfully brought to heel all her insular provinces by the early 20th century, an independent Filipinas would have probably moved south to seize British possessions in Borneo, and would have spearheaded a 'Malaya' campaign. Remember that one of the key leaders of early Filipino nationalist history was Dr. Rizal , who was a keen believer in a unified Malay Archipelago.

Anyways, the Revolutionary Filipino Army was a well trained, disciplined force. Their officer cadre were trained under Spanish military doctrine , and so were the soldiers. Probably one of the earliest forms of a modern army in the region:

@Cossack25A1 @Pinoy --- gents, let me ask you a question --- do you two speak Spanish? Is Spanish spoken still in the Philippines?

Have been listening to the national anthem of the Philippines --- seems like there is a certain passion one can feel when listening to the Spanish version vs the Filipino Version of "Tierra Adorada" or "Lupang Hinirang"

The problem with the Filipinos at that time (and still a problem at present time) is regionalism.

The Filipino movie titled Heneral Luna showed the faults of the Filipinos during the time (Philippine-American War), whether it is politics, culture or otherwise which is still prevalent (or probably worse) at present time.

 

[Pinoy]

Yes, i do recollect that. However, we have to be amazed that before the initation of the Filipino-American War of 1898, the Philippine Republic (under Aguinaldo) had fielded a standing army (Ejército Revolucionario Filipino) or the Filipino Revolutionary Army of some 80,000 to 100,000 soldiers , which it had successfully deployed earlier during the 1896 Revolution against Spain, which the Filipino Army successfully defeated every single Spanish bastion.

My opinion: had the United States not interferred with Manila during this delicate period, I believe the 1st Republic would have mobilized the Army to reign in control throughout the Islands. Manila would have utilized legitimacy as being the Seat of Power of the Philippine Spanish Colony during the colonial period.

I would even have deigned to predict that had Manila successfully brought to heel all her insular provinces by the early 20th century, an independent Filipinas would have probably moved south to seize British possessions in Borneo, and would have spearheaded a 'Malaya' campaign. Remember that one of the key leaders of early Filipino nationalist history was Dr. Rizal , who was a keen believer in a unified Malay Archipelago.

Anyways, the Revolutionary Filipino Army was a well trained, disciplined force. Their officer cadre were trained under Spanish military doctrine , and so were the soldiers. Probably one of the earliest forms of a modern army in the region:

@Cossack25A1 @Pinoy --- gents, let me ask you a question --- do you two speak Spanish? Is Spanish spoken still in the Philippines?

Have been listening to the national anthem of the Philippines --- seems like there is a certain passion one can feel when listening to the Spanish version vs the Filipino Version of "Tierra Adorada" or "Lupang Hinirang"

I really appreciate your knowledge and insights regarding our history Nihonjin.

No I don’t speak Spanish but there are some Filipinos that still speak Spanish today but only few.

Spanish is no longer the majority language in the Philippines. Our 1987 Constitution was just right abolishing it as our official language and a required subject in schools. Although some of our words in Tagalog were actually borrowed from Spanish that’s why we can pronounce the words with much ease than English words.

BTW like Cossack said we have Chavacano it is a Spanish-based creole language spoken in the Philippines mainly in Zamboanga and Ternate Cavite (around 2 million speakers)

Updates:
Emperor Akihito: Japan 'must never forget' Filipino deaths of WWII
January 27, 2016

'This is something we Japanese must never forget and we intend to keep this engraved in our hearts throughout our visit,' the emperor says in his speech

STATE DINNER. In his speech during the state dinner hosted by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Emperor Akihito says Japan 'must not forget' the deaths caused by World War II, which it was a part of. Photo by RTVM

MANILA, Philippines – On his first visit to the Philippines as head of state, Japan Emperor Akihito recognized the effects of the Second World War and said his country must not forget the deaths and hardships it brought upon the Filipinos.

Akihito, whose father was the emperor during the war, recalled how the Philippines became one of the battlegrounds of then rivals Japan and the United States.

"Last year Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. During this war, fierce battles between Japan and the United States took place on Philippine soil, resulting in the loss of many Filipino lives and leaving many Filipinos injured. This is something we Japanese must never forget and we intend to keep this engraved in our hearts throughout our visit," Akihito said during his speech in Nihongo during the state dinner on Wednesday, January 27.

Earlier that day, Akihito and Empress Michiko paid tribute to soldiers who died during the war. They bowed before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig.

Akihito has made honoring Japanese and non-Japanese who died in the conflict a touchstone of his near 3-decade reign – known as Heisei, or "achieving peace" – and now in its twilight.

No discussion on comfort women

While Aquino acknowledged this "dark" past, he sympathized with the Emperor on carrying the burden of past decisions.

"I can only imagine the difficulties that you carry as the symbols of your nation and as individuals of good will. In meeting Your Majesties, I am held in awe, recognizing the burdens you have borne, as you have had to live with the weight of the decisions made by others during the dark episodes in the history of our nations," Aquino said.

While this is the case, Aquino and Akihito did not discuss the issues of comfort women during their private meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Aquino earlier hinted he would not raise the issue, even as Japan is holding talks on the issue with South Korea. (READ: Comfort women to Aquino: Tackle our plight with Japanese emperor)

‘Staunch allies’

Seventy years ago, the countries were on opposites sides. But now Aquino said the East Asian country has been a strong ally of the Philippines on different fronts.

"It is, however, upon this history that we have built a far more enduring relationship. Japan has been a consistent, able, and trustworthy partner, who has helped advance our people’s progress," Aquino said.

To further prove his point, Aquino said Japan was the Philippines' top trading partner in 2013, the largest source of active Official Development Assistance and Investment Promotion Agency, a vital partner in the peace process and development of Mindanao, and an ally in the enhancement of maritime and disaster management capabilities.

More importantly, Japan is an ally in addressing the maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

“You have also been a staunch ally in advancing the rule of law in our region. For all this, and many more, I, on behalf of my countrymen, say: Domo arigato gozaimasu,” Aquino said.

The state visit to the Philippines comes at a time when the two countries are consolidating their forces in the wake of China’s aggressiveness in the South China Sea.

In June 2015, the two nations signed a Declaration for a Strengthened Strategic Partnership and its Action Plan, which was strongly condemned by China. (READ: PH beefs up defense deals amid dispute with China)

In a bilateral meeting in November, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan is considering providing large patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard, the main agency tasked to secure the almost 40,000-km coastline of the country.

Meanwhile, Akihito cited the contributions of Filipino national hero Jose Rizal “in forging friendly ties” between the two nations.

Akihito said Rizal’s writings had left a legacy on the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Dr. Rizal spent a month and a half in Japan, deepening his understanding of our country and leaving behind his writings in which he envisioned that our two countries would one day engage in a full-fledged relationship. In addition to being a national hero in the Philippines, Dr. Rizal was a pioneer in forging friendly ties between the Philippines and Japan,” the emperor said. – with report from Agence France Presse/

http://www.rappler.com/nation/120506-emperor-akihito-aquino-never-forget-state-dinner

 

[Aepsilons]

I really appreciate your knowledge and insights regarding our history Nihonjin.

I love early colonial asian history, actually. Filipino history is one that catches my intrigue in that it ties in with Meiji history in Japan. In fact, in 1896, when the government of Emilio Aguinado declared independence, they also sent dispatches to Tokyo (Edo at the time) to establish diplomatic and military links. In fact, there was even talks of forming an Edo-Manila Alliance where the Japanese Empire would collaborate with the 1st Philippine Republic to mold its army after the Imperial Army (it had just recently modernized as well).

In fact, the organization of your army was very organized, it was basically built on Spain's civil guard that had trained Filipino soldier conscripts. So training was very European standard, i suppose. Well it was efficient since the 80,000 strong Filipina Army was able to defeat Spanish forces in the Philippine Islands (from Manila to Visayas to Mindanao).

The problem: when the United States declared war, the war they initiated was one of decimation. They used brutal anti-indian hunting tactics and scorch and burn tactics on Philippine cities and overwhelming force on the Philippine Army at the time. The United States dispatched some 150,000 freshly trained troops to your country , and overwhelmed the fledgling revolutionary army.

In fact the brutality in how Americans fought Filipinos in this island campaign would be the same way they fought with Japan in the pacific war, and then to an extent on the Vietnamese in the VIetnam War. The tactic is overwhelming decimation. Americans decimated close to 2 million Filipinos in the Philippine War, literally close to 1/4th of the country's pouplation at the time. So literally your country had to build from scratch , and the nationalist spirit of the Filipino patriot was extinguished and 'inhibited' for another 50 some years.

Still, we respect you people for fighting despite the overwhelming odds against American firepower. In that regard, very Bushido-esque of your countrymen and warriors.

Your military leader, Emilio Aguinaldo , is considered a role model for early Japanese generals in the Imperial Army.