Japanese Influence on the Philippines

During World War 2, the Japanese took the Philippines from the control of the United States. This happened between 1941 and 1945, when the United States was able to take back possession of the country. After regaining possession, the United States relinquished its control, fulfilling its promise of granting full independence to the Philippines.

Because the Japanese were there for such a short period, they didn’t leave much that was permanently adopted into the Filipino culture. But they definitely did change the way things were done during their time in the Philippines.

How things changed during the Japanese rule over the Philippines:

• A strict curfew was enforced
• Japanese currency was introduced
• Baranggays (neighborhood government systems) were cut in half
• A military government was implemented (as it was during a time of war)

From what I’ve heard, this wasn’t a particularly happy time. But Japan left no permanent mark on the Filipino way of life.  Once the Japanese left, the Filipinos reverted back to life pretty much the way it was before they had even come. It would be years later before  the Japanese would start to influence Filipino culture. Today their influence in the Philippines is quite prevalent. But it wasn’t so back then. Today, the most notable Japanese influence on Filipino culture has been in technology – such as karaoke, videoke, cameras, etc.

(Contributed by Rebecca, Philippines Baguio Mission, 2009-2011)

Comments

Miguel

Can you give negative effect because I need it for a project.

Sbflow9

What are some Japanese influence on the government of Philippines that is still being practiced or used today.

Roela Albania

What happened to the Philippines’ printnaking during Japanese period?