Yamashita Surrender Day
Yamashita Surrender Day is a special working public holiday that’s observed annually on September 3rd in the Philippines and commemorates 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 made a holiday by Republic Act Number 11120 and announced by a proclamation by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. This holiday was first celebrated in Kiangan, Ifugao, but has been celebrated all across the Philippines ever since. Because this is a working holiday, businesses, government agencies and schools remain open and the general population doesn’t get a day off of work.
A Short Biography Of Tomoyuki Yamashita
Tomoyuki Yamashita was born on November 8th, 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 quick advancement into Malaya and Singapore earned him the much-used 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 Bano, Laguna Prison Camp. He was initially buried at a cemetery near the prison camp, but his remains were later removed to Fuchu, Tokyo to be buried at Tama Reien Cemetery.
Observing Yamashita Surrender Day
This holiday isn’t celebrated with as much fanfare as other holidays in the Philippines, but it’s still a day that gets its fair share of attention. It’s a solemn day to remember the victims of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and the mistreatment of the citizens of the country.
This is also a day on which politicians give speeches reminding the populace of the importance of this day, and it’s also a holiday that features many wreath-laying ceremonies. It’s also a day for the people of the Philippines to take pride in their country.
Philippines (Regular holiday)
