Allan B. Castino and Andrea V. Campado (Author)
Abstract
Brewed to be an imperialist hegemon, the Japanese metamorphosis as an oriental power was completed after demolishing Russia in 1904-1905 Russo–Japanese War. Subsequently, Japan adopted a political doctrine called Nanshin – ron (Southern Expansion Doctrine) that sealed the fate of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands into its sphere of interest. Extremely dedicated to their imperialistic goal guided by Nanshin – ron, advance parties for reconnaissance were sent out to different parts of Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines. In disguise, these intelligence operatives practically paved the way for a smooth invasion fed with crucial confidential information. Among them was Suekichi Kuroda, who posed since prewar as a well acquainted and cordial abaca hemp entrepreneur that catapulted him into prominence among the Blaan people and the early NLSA settlers in the Koronadal Valley area (General Santos City). This paper attempts to put into pieces those glimpses of memories reflective to the portrayed life of Suekichi Kuroda prior to and during the war upon the eyes of the Filipinos. Was he a secret enemy in disguise or a secret savior in disguise of an enemy at such a precarious period? In analyzing his dynamic life as seen by the Filipinos who were his contemporaries, inadvertently it intertwined into the fiber of narratives of our nation’s struggle and survival during World War II while evoking the fundamental essence of humanity that transcended war and nationalities. This is a qualitative study employing historical – descriptive methods of research. Using primarily key informant interview and documentary analysis, the researcher finds significance in rescuing from oblivion the almost unexplored historical narrative lingering on the life of Suekichi Kuroda who was generally identified as a Japanese intelligence officer during and after World War II. Hence, this paper considers his story a missing link towards General Santos City’s local history during the Japanese occupation period.
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Keywords: Suekichi Kuroda, Koronadal Valley, Japanese Occupation, Nanshin-ron