Review by Martin Koenigsberg
When the Japanese swept across the Pacific in 1941 and ’42, they brought death and destruction to all the Allied possessions they conquered. Taking them was one thing – slicing through Allied formations that were ill-prepared and often poorly armed -but governing them was another thing entirely as the Japanese were to find. The Japanese had a whole PR Campaign ready- inviting fellow Asians into the greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere, a place where Asians would rule themselves- under a big brotherly guidance from Japan, of course. They tried to appeal to the Nationalist and Anti-Colonialist elements in all the lands they conquered finding some who would help them govern. There was a little bit of success- but it was slow going. Desiree Ann Cua Benipayo explains the occupation of the Philippines – and how it led to a family tragedy. A Filipina Historian and author- Ms. Benipayo is also a noted Tour Operator/Entrepreneur/Restauranteur/Raconteur and she tells it straight the – Murder of her family’s leader in a bungled effort to maintain control. Most Filipinos did not buy the Japanese PR job. They saw the daily slappings of pedestrians who forgot to bow to Japanese Soldiers and authorities, they heard about the beatings and murders of of the Kempeitai- the secret police, and they saw the daily theft of resources as the Empire of the sun seemed to Requisition everything that wasn’t nailed down. Besides- within a year of the ignominious departure of the Americans, resistance groups on the Islands were getting Arms, direction, and most importantly- food and medical supplies from Submarine visitors.The resistance had developed organically, as first one and then another village or farm came to understand the heavy boot of the occupiers. When the Japanese came to Judge. Abad Santos to try and turn a top Justice to their purposes- he refused- citing his oath of office. The story is compelling, the characters are vivid, and the author keeps the present in mind while telling of the past. An entertaining read on a topic many Americans will not have known about- and will want to know better. Most of the adult themes are political, but there is some discussion of graphic violence, so this book is best read by the Junior Reader over about 13/14 years with a historical interest. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast- it’s not that great for the first two categories. Gamers don’t game political/national martyrdom- nor does it make for great models. The Military Enthusiast though, will get a raw story of Japanese Occupation and how it was lived. The relationship between the Japanese Imperial Army and the Military Governor , and then the Filipino Government in turn is an interesting interplay worth study. General audience readers will see a stirring story of resistance- all over the narrative.
