Yamashita Surrender Day
Yamashita Surrender Day is a special working public holiday observed annually on September 3rd in the Philippines, commemorating the surrender of Japanese military forces at the end of World War II. The name of the holiday refers to the leader of these forces, Tomoyuki Yamashita, who surrendered on this date in 1945.
Philippines (Regular holiday)This day was established as a holiday by Republic Act Number 11120 and announced by a proclamation from President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. The holiday was first celebrated in Kiangan, Ifugao, but has since been celebrated across the Philippines. Because this is a working holiday, businesses, government agencies, and schools remain open, and the general population does not get a day off work.
A Short Biography of Tomoyuki Yamashita
Tomoyuki Yamashita was born on November 8, 1885, in Otoyo, Japan, and he was a Japanese general of the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. He led Japanese forces during the invasion of Malaya and the Battle of Singapore. His rapid advancement into Malaya and Singapore earned him the nickname “Tiger of Malaya.”
He was assigned to defend the Philippines from advancing Allied forces later in the war. On September 3rd, he surrendered, and on February 23, 1946, he was sentenced to be hanged at Los Baños, Laguna Prison Camp. He was initially buried at a cemetery near the prison camp, but his remains were later moved to Fuchū, Tokyo, to be buried at Tama Reien Cemetery.
Observing Yamashita Surrender Day
This holiday is not celebrated with as much fanfare as other holidays in the Philippines, but it still receives its fair share of attention. It is a solemn day to remember the victims of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and the mistreatment of the country’s citizens.
It is also a day on which politicians give speeches reminding the populace of the importance of this day, and it features many wreath-laying ceremonies. It is also a day for the people of the Philippines to take pride in their country.
Philippines (Regular holiday)
