Today in Japanese History: September 21 (UCLA Teaching about Japan website)

September 21

1944 U.S. forces under Gen. Douglas MacArthur began an assault on Japanese forces occupying the Philippines. In October after the Battle of Leyte Gulf, MacArthur waded ashore, keeping the promise he made in 1942 to return to the Philippines.

In March 1942, after escaping from Corregidor, MacArthur told reporters:

"The President of the United States ordered me to break through the Japanese lines and proceed from Corregidor to Australia for the purpose, as I understand it, of organizing the American offensive against Japan, a primary objective of which is the relief of the Philippines. I came through and I shall return."

MacArthur, a documentary featured on PBS's "The American Experience," is supported by an excellent website.

1998 Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo spoke to the United Nations General Assembly and condemned recent missile tests by North Korea and nuclear weapons tests by India and Pakistan.

Concerning the North Korean missile tests, Obuchi said "Even if it were used to put a satellite on orbit, it poses a serious threat to Japanese security and peace and stability in northeastern Asia."

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website offers a selection of speeches and position papers on the missile launch and the nuclear weapons tests. An Obuchi chronology is available from the Japanese government and the Japanese MoFA offers 10 defining "episodes in the life" of the prime minister. Shortly after Obuchi became prime minister in July 1998, the PBS Newshour program featured a discussion of him and the challenges he faced.

The Teaching about Japan website is edited by Clayton Dube.
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