For the Japanese, 1942 was a very good year. As they put it, they chased the “black cloud” from [the Philippines] and once more the “Emerald of the Pacific” was able to sparkle. The Japanese recorded it this way:

The might of the Japanese Army was unfolded in a victory parade. The greatest event of the century was felt beyond the shores of Manila Bay and extended to the whole of Asia. Marking the beginning of a new era the Philippines, overnight, became a member of his Majesties’ Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. This was realized after 300 years of Spanish rule and 40 years under the yoke of the Americans.

The 1942 Philippine yearbook celebrated the Japanese conquest of the Philippines in the year 1942. The captions accompanying the photos give a glimpse of Japanese party line.

The reconstruction of bridges, following their destruction by the retreating enemy, was spectacular. That is why words cannot describe the hardships suffered by the Japanese Army in pursuit of the enemy. However there was nothing that could obstruct the indomitable spirit of our forces.

An interesting aspect of the captions is that some were written in poetry. One example is “Sweat.”

No roads, no bridges
Deep in the mountains
Our troops plod wearily
Through a furnace wind.
There is no food.
Our bellies must be filled
With water.
Drops of sweat roll out
From under our burning helmets.