Yamashita Surrender Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Sunday, September 3rd. There are until the next observance.

Yamashita Surrender Day, as decreed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is observed on September 3. Since World War II began in Baguio City, this event has been a high point in the country’s rich historical events. While it is a special working holiday, Filipinos are urged to recognize the significance and historical significance of this day as they celebrate the surrender of Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita to allied forces in Camp John Hay 77 years ago. Today is a day to remember the brave warriors who died fighting for peace, freedom, and order.

📆 When is Yamashita Surrender Day?

This year, Yamashita Surrender Day is on September 3rd. It is the 1st Sunday in September; in 2024, it is on Tuesday.

Countdown to Yamashita Surrender Day

Did you know: General Yamashita was renowned as the “Tiger of Malaya” before the Japanese takeover of the Philippines. After successfully conquering the Malay Peninsula and Singapore, he was given this moniker.

You can also learn all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about September 3, 2023.

📜 History of Yamashita Surrender Day

The Japanese promptly devised a new government structure for the whole nation, formerly known as the Commonwealth of the Philippines. This effort was heavily resisted by underground groups and guerillas, who would eventually occupy a large area of the nation. Filipinos promised and were dedicated to defeating the Japanese from Luzon to the Philippines’ southernmost islands. During this period, notable guerrilla groups were founded, including the United States Army Forces Far East (U.S.A.F.F.E.) and various local militias on Visayan islands such as Panay, Bohol, and Negros. Despite being the farthest island, Colonel Wendell Fertig consolidated roughly 38,000 guerillas in Mindanao. Despite their determination to take over and battle the Japanese soldiers, they encountered several obstacles, including difficult terrain and little equipment. Because they were dispersed throughout a large range of islands or an archipelago, it proved difficult to unite all of these tribes in early 1942. However, contacts resumed in November of that year, and the plan was reestablished. Submarines brought weapons, equipment, and radios to the guerillas, and most groups were ready to start the revolt at this point.

The conflict lasted three years, until the Japanese imperial troops surrendered on September 2, 1945. General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Japanese Imperial Army had been seized by the guerillas. The day is also known as the Yamashita Fall, as it marked the end of World War II in Japan. He signed the surrender papers at Camp John Hay on September 3. The Philippines had already suffered significant devastation and casualties by this point. Several war crimes trials resulted in the deaths of an estimated one million Filipinos. Yamashita Surrender Day commemorates the valiant Filipinos who battled for the country’s independence.

☑️ Yamashita Surrender Day facts

The Filipino guerilla who spearheaded the capture
General Yamashita was caught when Lieutenant Macario Albaradillo broke through the Japanese lines in Baguio City.

Operation Musketeer
The code names for the liberation of the Philippines were Operation Musketeer I, II, and III.

Two key men surrendered
Admiral Denshichi Okochi, in addition to General Tomoyuki Yamashita, surrendered.

Things to do on Yamashita Surrender Day

Visit Camp John Hay in Baguio City
Camp John Hay is a popular tourist destination. If you want to go away from the city and feel the freezing weather of Baguio City, here is the place to be on Yamashita Surrender Day.

Spend a day at the Peace Museum in Ifugao
The Yamashita Surrender Site, also known as the Peace Museum, is a must-see World War II site in Poblacion, Kiangan, Ifugao. This is the location of General Yamashita’s official surrender.

Take an educational trip to Baguio Museum
If you want to understand the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, the Baguio Museum is the best location to go. On Yamashita Surrender Day, it is great for families with children to visit.

📅 Yamashita Surrender Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 September 3 Sunday
2024 September 3 Tuesday
2025 September 3 Wednesday
2026 September 3 Thursday
2027 September 3 Friday

Discover all September holidays, including Special Interest and other Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Yamashita Surrender Day. So be sure to check back soon.